How corporate communicators can help the country heal
There’s a massive rift of viewpoints in the U.S., but comms pros can be a bridge toward greater unity, understanding and reconciliation. Here’s how.
Pundits and politicians have bemoaned our country’s cultural and partisan divisions for years.
Yet things have gotten worse. There’s just not much that brings us together these days. We’ve seen an erosion of confidence in our major institutions – government, faith groups, and the news media, among others.
I’ve long thought that this perfect storm of disunity represents an obligation – and an opportunity – for corporate America. It’s time for the business community as a group and individual businesses as brands, to help us heal the divide. In the wake of the shocking violence last week, that may be starting to happen, and there’s an important role for corporate communications. After all, we are all about credibility. But it’s now America’s reputation that’s on the line, and the right messaging isn’t enough.
Why business can help
The roots of what happened at the Capitol on Jan. 6 are deep. But big business is in a unique position to help restore confidence in our systems. Large companies are mostly bipartisan. Citizens and media outlets respect and listen to them, and elected officials count on their support. Most have huge advertising and marketing clout.
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