How do you plan to silence such long-time PRSA critics as Jack ODwyer?
You know, he is entitled to his opinions. We’re in different businesses. He’s in the business of publishing a newsletter. I’m running an association. Part of my job is to listen to critics. But for criticism to be useful, it must have several characteristics. Specifically, it must be: objective, fact-based and focused on the present and future. So I will be listening to, and considering, criticism or commentary that meets those criteria. How exactly will you be “listening” to that outside commentary? I already have been. For example, I met with Jack O’Dwyer three weeks ago. I also met with Julia Hood at PR Week, and I met with Jim Sinkinson [publisher of Bulldog Reporter]. I’m happy to listen to people who are professional. How did you respond to critics at the MPA—can you give an example? The process of listening to critics starts with just that: listening. You listen first, and then you evaluate. After that, you adjust as necessary. An example of that process at the MPA involved the
