The Bully Pulpit

The term "Bully Pulpit" was first used by the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.  Basically, the term refers to a "conspicous position that provides an opportunity to speak out and be listened to."  One of the questions I often hear is whether leaders (especially leaders of non-profit organizations) should refrain from speaking out in public, either in support of or against, a particular political issue.  In other words, should leaders use their unique position of power to advocate for an issue that may or may not have a direct impact on their organization?

There was a really interesting article in the weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal on exactly this topic, "When CEOs talk about race and equality: Is speaking on social issues part of the job?".  Apparently, more than 300 chief executives, mayors, and government officials were scheduled to hold an online discussion about the business impacts of COVID-19.  The conversation quickly evolved into a discussion about whether CEOs should speak out in public on the recent racial and equity issues going on in our country, sparked largely by the modern-day equivalent of a public lynching of George Floyd by a group of police officers in Minneapolis.    A number of CEOs said that they decided that using the so-called "Bully Pulpit" was indeed part of their job.

Merck & Co.'s CEO Kenneth Frazier said, "We have to be careful not to assume that this experiment that we have called 'America' can withstand our apathy right now."  He later added that business leaders can and should play a significant role - if not a leadership role - on social issues that directly and indirectly impact their employees and customers. 

As the article points out, the use of the "Bully Pulpit" by business leaders is relatively new.  Historically, CEOs have been reluctant to take a stand for fear of reprisal where it impacts the most - on the company's bottom line profits.  For example, PepsiCo Inc. faced a boycott of their products after then CEO Indra Nooyi made public comments critical of the President of the United States.  She stated that she even received criticism from some of her employees.  Apparently, some employees were openly critical of her comments, some were in favor, and some were silent (roughly one-third in each category).  "So you could intrepret it as two-thirds are on your side, or two-thirds are against you."

The fear of reprisal is justified by past experience.  Delta Airlines faced a similar boycott after they severed ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA) following a series of school shootings in 2018.  Moreover, the Georgia State Senate (Delta is headquartered in Atlanta, GA) approved a tax relief bill that stripped Delta of $50 million in tax breaks shortly after they made a public announcement against the NRA. 

The pendulum is shifting though.  Netflix Inc. posted on Twitter this past week that "To be silent is not an option."  Ben & Jerry's, which has historically been outspoken in favor of social justice causes, posted a 700-word statement that provided a four-point plan to "dismantle white supremacy in all its forms" (I encourage you to read it here).  Walmart Inc. even helped negotiate a deal to take down a confederate memorial in Bentonville, Arkansas, where their headquarters is located.

Social change does not occur quickly or easily.  After all, racial inequality has been going on for over 400 years.  Social change requires leadership.  And who better to provide that leadership than the individuals who are in a position of power to influence the kind of change that we so desperately need right now?  Leaders - I am speaking to you now.  "Use your Bully Pulpit.  Be a catalyst for change.  Help us move forward, finally."

After watching the events of the past week or so, I am encouraged that this may be the moment in our nation's history when we will finally start to change.  As Winston Churchill said, "This is not the end.  It is not even the beginning of the end.  But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."  And as Sam Cooke sang, "It's been a long time, a long time coming..."