In thinking about the delay in BP’s PR response to the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, do you see an ostrich mentality? I can’t help but see parallels in the lives of executives, many of whom are current or former JobWhiz executive talent agent clients. These very accomplished professionals ignored the necessity for proactively marketing themselves when times were fine and their careers seemed to be in good shape. They did not continuously strive to promote themselves, didn’t purposefully network to enlarge their impact and develop new contacts, were not on the inside track learning about potential new challenges on a constant basis, and were not sought out for their recommendations and referrals. They thought they would be safe if they focused on the job to be done at their company. Meanwhile their world
unraveled while they failed to promote a positive image and make others aware of their potential. They did not protect their good name, their reputation, their careers.

Unfortunately for some otherwise successful executives, it is only when the handwriting on the wall can no longer be denied, like BP, that they finally, too late, start their “official” campaign. They rush to implement their personal PR campaign. They seek to renew dormant connections, furiously attend networking events, work the phone and make appointments to meet with former colleagues, headhunters, etc.  It is far better to dig your well, as Harvey McKay says, before you are thirsty. And IMHO, BP should have started their PR work right when the first drop leaked and not when it was obvious that the problem was huge and they owned it.

How many top leaders are guilty of ignoring their own career needs for self-promotion when everything is working out at their current job? Only when disaster strikes, like they have to acknowledge an impending layoff or are faced with a sudden termination, do they respond appropriately by reaching out to their network, polishing a resume, joining groups, participating in social media, etc. all of which are the right steps to help them identify a new job. Too little too late just like BP. The time to take preventive action or be proactive in managing a career transition is before all the facts are in when there is more time to influence and make new contacts.
I see similarities in how an executive gets caught up in the day to day and
relies only on their current employer to take care of their future or they
think they have more time than they actually do to prepare for their next
assignment. Is it just human nature/wishful thinking to roll along until we
are forced to do something? Do we lack initiative? Do we make excuses
because it is easier? For all those reading this and seeing themselves, wake
up!! Start to plan your next career move even if you would rather not put the effort into developing new
contacts, publishing your thoughts, sharing your ideas with those who are
not your immediate colleagues in order to promote yourself within your
industry. Is it human nature not to act until an outside party tells us we
have to move? You know very well how much better it is to always be
networking and creating a positive professional image. Don’t be a BP!!!!

Please comment with your ideas for what these two initials can represent like blind XX or
blatant XXX etc.