In the past 36 years, I have directed communications for nearly every crisis imaginable -- from major hurricanes to potential terrorist attacks and even environmental events. I have learned a lot, some of it through trial and error.  Through my work at Shillingburg Consulting, I am now able to share what I've learned with others. So, what are my major takeaways after over three and one-half decades of work in this area? Be Proactive The tendency by many is to try to keep things quiet during

Winning. Our President has brought the term, "winning," back into the national spotlight. Without turning this into a political debate, I would like to take a few minutes to examine what is "winning" and what is the difference between winning teams and those that struggle.   What Is Winning? To me, winning is the ability to create a positive change in the direction of an organization or team.  During my 36-year career,  I have worked with numerous winning teams and I have also led a large

"You don't like anyone doing anything for you, do you Randy?" Billy Joe Wooten, a friend and co-worker told me a couple of decades ago when I was living in North Carolina.   "What do you mean?" I replied. "Well, you never ask for help at home or at work.  Don't you realize that you're not allowing someone else to receive the greatest gift of all -- the wonderful feeling of doing something good for someone else?" I had always been a "giver," taught at an early age that giving to others was

Too much has already been written about the decision by NFL players to kneel while the National Anthem is being played prior to games.  The protest by the players is in response to comments made by our President -- and to send a message about perceived racial profiling by law enforcement.  This article attempts to look at the protests from the perspectives of business, communications and public relations -- and to examine whether or not the protests were effective. Listening vs. Talking Each