Good Ol’ Johnny

Johnny was everybody’s good ol’ chum of public affairs. Well, what would one expect
after spending almost all his working life in the industry. Before he could even finish his
degree in Political Science from the State University, he was already lured into the
broadcasting lawyer, but as fate would have it, he found the job so gratifying and soon he
realized that the real reason for his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer was really
about becoming an instrument of justice. And considering the “reach” (his show was
broadcast nationwide) of his job, this was undoubtedly better than preaching in a
courtroom.

His career blossomed. His radio program later found its way into the boob tube hosting a
talk show. Soon good ol’ Johnny became a byword in the industry. He would have given
Larry (King Live) a run for his money had he stayed on – but he felt a little discomfort in
his job. He wanted to do something else – something different, something with a global
touch. The opportunity came when he got wind of the need for a public affairs man in a
multinational. Through his “network”, getting that post was no problem. He soon found
himself with a lofty title of Public Affairs Liaison Officer, reporting directly to the Vice
President – Legal & Public Affairs. His legal mind and his vast experience (and
connections) in media served him well. Before long Good Ol’ Johnny proved his worth in
the company. Need to have an audience with a key political figure? Call Johnny. Need to
“message” a not-so-palatable news article? Call Johnny. Call Johnny for this, call Johnny
for that.

Johnny never had it so good. It was like having his cake and eating it too. He liked what
he was doing and he believed the perks that go with the job were as legitimate as he
wanted them to be (his name was dragged into a messy “payola” scandal once during his
radio days). The Management Team was likewise pleased with Johnny’s performance.
They didn’t have to waste time “winning and dining” the company’s publics – precious
time, they thought, that could be better spent on business issues. It was indeed a very
ideal set-up.

The story could have had a “fairy tale-ish “ happy ending expect that one day, after
making the usual investigation on a brewing issue, Johnny felt a little too surprised to
find himself in a dead end. No one in his circle could give him access to the one stirring
the brew. He made a quick assessment of the issue and reported this to his immediate
superior, the VP for Legal & Public Affairs. Before they knew it, the issue blew to
national proportions. And poor Johnny had not even made any headway to arrest the
issue. He just couldn’t find the right connections. The Senior Management Team called
an emergency meeting and Johnny was asked to shed light on the matter. The verdict?
Johnny was no longer effective. Or maybe he wasn’t really doing his job. He’s Good Ol’
Johnny no more.

QUESTIONS:

1. Where did Johnny fail? Why?

2. Was there any other party at fault? Why?

3. What lessons can we draw from this case?