what your company shouldn’t do
November 19, 2007 – 3:20 pm
In a surprising response to news of CEO John Mackey’s recent “less than ideal activities” online, Whole Foods has reacted in a rather extreme way by banning all executive, director and board level team members from engaging in discussions about the company online. This is contrary thinking for a company that is often considered to be a role model for its high standards. Unfortunately, this recent announcement exemplifies the exact opposite. This sets the progressive company back at least 100 years in terms of communication with customers and other stakeholders. If your company’s leaders can’t be trusted to openly and honestly discuss the company, then who should be responsible for this kind of communication? How does this move make sense for a company who wants to maintain lasting, loyal relationships with its most important stakeholders?
I have to say, in a world where information is king and transparency is the new gold standard, I’m not surprised that Mr. Mackey’s activities were discovered. Having engaged with the company not too long ago on dotherightthing, it’s a bit of an extreme reaction on their behalf and sends the wrong message.
All companies make mistakes, the answer isn’t less conversation online but more (a lot more) conversation online.
The former Director of National Marketing at Whole Foods Market has more on this.
