Communication Overtones Comments
A great read Kami, thanks for posting this. I'll listen to the full audio shortly, but this is a wonderful reminder of several things including: there's usually more to a story than what you are hearing; people make mistakes--and should be allowed to learn from them (whomever didn't send the notice out by 12:00 and still has his/her job is one that jumps to mind); and that once a fall guy/girl is named, that will be the story.
I find the statement from the senior editor who was "too busy" to fact-check disturbing. Every critique I've seen from a MSM journalist about bloggers harps on this as being a blogger problem, and that the MSM is better *because* they make the time. Harumph.
Again, thanks for a very enlightening piece.
Jen
Jen; I suppose that I should be clear that Aaron Walker did lose his job after the investigation. Luckily for him, he missed the media storm, so it will be easier going for him than for Pat. Another thing I suupose you should add to your reminders is that the media have a short attention span. So, Pat, due to his quick acceptance of responsibility will be "the guy,' at least in the public record.
Mr. Philbin,
Thank you for agreeing to talk to Kami and sharing such valuable lessons learned.
To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Walker was not fired by FEMA. However, I believe he did resign for another position outside the government.
Best regards,
Pat
Wow, Kami - great post. Some great take-aways, too.
A key point for me, from a blogging perspective, is that you can't take reports at face value and just run with them. We had this demonstrated to us again recently with the Washington Post's RIAA piece.
Fact checking is critical to credibility.
What an excellent post! It's always so interesting to get the *real* story behind something.
I actually really feel for Aaron as well, as he is a former co-worker of mine and probably one of the best, nicest people I'll ever know--certainly his whole career cannot be defined by this one (admittedly major) gaffe, and hopefully it won't be. For him or for Mr. Philbin.
I'll be including in the Jots (going up late today), so stay tuned!
Great story, Scoop!
Sarah; You make an incredibly important point. The rush to judgment is so easy. I put myself in that camp as well. I am sure that Aaron learned from this, and as Pat said in his interview, there is value in learning from one's mistakes.
I agree with your assessment of Aaron. He is a terrific and energetic young professional. He delivers, and I am confident that his new employer will quickly see the value that he brings.
Many thanks for posting this piece, Kami. Pat deserved better than what happened to him, and I told him that on the phone after this all went down (I am a regional FEMA External Affairs Director). I would like to say more but my position restricts what I can say. I will say that whatever company hires this man will be adding a tremendous asset to their communications and management team.
I'm not a "PR" person, but I have several friends who are (and I am lucky enough that they tolerate me poking my nose into things in an effort to educate myself more).
I read this post yesterday, and listened to the audio this morning (Kami - put the audio in your post - it belongs here, in context).
I am curious about one aspect of this conversation that I feel has not been adequately discussed - Mr. Philbin briefly mentioned in the interview that some PRSA members immediately called for him to be "kicked out" of the PRSA. Seems there might be another "story behind the story" there. Why would anyone at the PRSA be so quick to force a member in good standing to fall on their sword? Without full facts or details (or, one could argue, ANY facts or DETAILS)?
Finally, as someone that has been involved in various aspects of business for a large number of years (including owner, founder, Sr. Manager, inventor, Recruiter and Hiring Manager) I have added Mr. Philbin to my list of, "If I ever need someone in this role, this is a person I will call".
Mr. Philbin - you came across as completely forthright, honest, and honorable. I would be pleased, if I am ever in the need for your services, to offer you a position. There is nothing more important to me than an employee that accepts responsibility (even when perhaps they shouldn't have). You didn't point fingers and try to deflect blame. You stood up, said, "I am the Captain of this ship, and I take full responsibility for what happened under my watch". You didn't make excuses.
Bravo Zulu, Mr Philbin. Character is something that cannot be taught. You either have it, or you do not. You, Mr. Philbin, have character.
And I'll forgive the fact you were in the "shallow water Navy" - I still respect your service to your country.
Start a blog, Mr. Philbin. Let me know the URL. I'll subscribe. I know that after all of your years of Federal Service you will have some amazingly interesting stories that have a wide variety of lessons associated with them - including this one.
Rob
Mr. La Gesse,
First, thank you for your vote of confidence.
Regarding PRSA, I suspect those who were demanding the revocation of my APR fell victim to the same concern that I have about the media environment today.
In general, I do not believe there is enough verification and "fact gathering" before stories go to print or broadcast. Speed and business pressures require complex issues and situations (not that the FEMA press brief was complex) be distilled to 6 seconds or 400 words. This simply does not allow for context.
In my opinion, part of the solution is to become critical consumers of information, especially information delivered via the mass media. Often, issues look much different at 100 feet than they do at 10,000 feet. Much of media reporting today seems to follow a prescribed formula (one side versus another). Seldom are things so simple.
Rob;
There may have been individuals discussing the revocation of Pat's APR, but I read nothing in the PRSA FAQ about this that would have applied in this case. You can read that here.
Pat - would love to keep in contact with you outside of this thread. If you are interested, please forward me your email/preferred contact info.
Rob
Great post, Kami. It's always good to see the more nuanced story after the dust has settled.
In defence of people who "don't check their facts", I've had several instances this year when I've sat on a blog post so I could contact the people involved and get more info. Almost without exception there has been radio silence from the people who I'm trying to give a chance to tell their side of the story.
Maybe they're already dealing with too many calls and e-mails, or maybe they're just hoping if they lay low it the story will die away.
@Eric - I don't know how you approached those people - I tend to send a, "This is what I intend to post, unless you object to part or all of it and are willing to discuss it" - and I include at least a good portion of my post.
If they ignore that, then I consider that I have done my homework - at least to the best of my ability with this individual.
Sucks you can't guarantee email was received though - even after responding to emails from me I have had people claim they "never received an email from me".
In the end though, it is very difficult to hide from the truth. Lies take a lot of maintenance - and maintaining some of them become lifelong chores.
Few people have the skills to pull that off. Best not trying to (as I know you believe based on what I read in your blog).
Rob
Pat - Hopefully in the aftermath of the blogosphere this will continue to get more time and attention from folks.
The word lazysphere has been used in the past to characterize bloggers quick to judge, not conduct fact checking and just run with a story. It looks like it is simply another item linking bloggers to journalists.
In journos defense, they have small budgets and tight deadlines. But in this case it would have made a big difference.
My only thought is that if you were willing, as the leader, to take full credit for the mix-up, why did you rely on others to make the details of what happened clear? I would have been equally vocal about this.
Admittedly, I still have to listen to the interview, perhaps more explanation is there.
Regardless, thanks to you and to Kami for this story. I'll be helping you tell it through some links in the near future.
Kevin,
Thanks for the comment. I understand and agree with your assessment of the business pressures on today's journalists, but the consequences of their actions on individuals can be enormous.
Regarding why I relied on others to make the details clear, I naively assumed that my superiors would set the record straight. In hindsight, the problem with this perspective, especially in the political environment, is that leadership is seeking to portray an image of being in charge.
I really go back to my original characterization of the situation. It was the confluence of an embattled agency with a reputation for doing everything wrong in the middle of a venomous political environment facilitated by media who perceived they were being taken advantage of.
In reality, it was well-meaning, overworked staff under considerable pressure to inform others about federal response activities. There was no conspiracy to mislead, and had there been any prior discussion of such an approach and I was aware, I would have intervened and stopped it.
Mistakes happen. In my view, the fallout should have focused on the process more than the rapid effort to identify the person who tried to intentionally mislead everyone. The effort to "outrage the outrage" was out of concern for how things were being characterized in the media. I would have advocated a much more reasoned reaction to the incident with an insurance that it would not happen again and there would be a full accounting to determine how it occurred. But, I was no longer with the agency.
Hope this helps.
Best regards,
Pat
Pat - You were definitely an asset to FEMA. I may have made similar decisions based on your response above. Thanks for the conversation around this. I think it is very helpful.
Kami- thkanks for your writing re Pat. While stationed at CG HQ I worked w/Pat on law enforcement or Deepwater project issues that required press releases to Capitol Hill or other fed agencies. He was always honest, professional, accurate, and very thorough. A top-notch CG Officer who did not deserve this treatment at FEMA. No wonder good people are reluctant to work for Uncle Sam!
I have known Pat Philbin and his family on a personal level for 15 years. I have NEVER, known him to be anything but a guy of integrity and find this perception of the situation totally typical of the media (always finding the negative in EVERY situtation). I am once again discusted with the media and hope our upcoming youth can make changes in the way media and reporting is done. Mr. Philbin took responsibility for his part in this unfortunate chain of events....IT'S TIME FOR THE MEDIA TO GO BACK TO REPORTING THE TRUTH and not spend so much time trying to ruin good peoples' lives. Ethical men like Pat Philbin are hard to come by and it is all of our loss if he is not allowed to continue serving us as he has for so many years.
Betsie; Thanks for adding your thoughts about this to the record.
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