Oddly enough, a historical research fellowship with the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication is what sparked the idea for this forward-thinking book. Page is often considered the founder of corporate public relations in the United States. Researching Page’s career got me thinking about the importance of how leaders communicate today, both the leaders who manage public relations activities and especially those who do not.
My gratitude to Business Expert Press, especially Mary Gentile, Rob Zwettler, and the rest of the team. They have been incredibly supportive.
I must also thank the many executives, clients, contractors, colleagues, and students with whom I have worked over the years. You have listened, sometimes begrudgingly, when I insist that responsible communication is not simply a support function, a service-for-hire, or a one-way push. Indeed, responsible communication is candid, clear, and consistent—and always, always, always a dynamic, two-way process. My expertise as a consultant and coach would not exist without the diverse experiences we have shared.
Several experts reviewed working drafts of the manuscript. Special gratitude goes to author and retired executive, Carol Bodensteiner, who has long been a mentor and friend. She brought particularly valuable insight to my work.
Finally, this book honors my father, Donald, who, like Page, worked in telecommunication, and my mother, Valeria. They taught me so much about effective communication and personal responsibility.