That’s a strategy BP is apparently ignoring as it fumbles through the aftermath of its massive and still uncontained oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. You can read about public relations gaffes the company has made here, here and here. And I’m sure you could find more opinions on Twitter, other blogs about public relations, in your paper’s business section — you name it.
.jpg "Oily pelican from BP 2010 oil spill")
An oil covered pelican, courtesy examiner.com
Yesterday I saw CNN’s Anderson Cooper ask some family members of the eleven workers who died when the oil rig exploded and collapsed if BP had contacted any of them. I saw one interview with a family member who said two BP representatives came to the funeral, asked if they could hug her, and offered their sympathies. A second interview with another victim’s family said there had been no contact at all from BP. I couldn’t believe it. She said they hadn’t even received a letter.
Here are three things I think BP could do immediately to be more human:
1. Significantly lower prices at all your gas stations across the country. While some boycotts are already being organized, many Americans would see lower gas prices as a help during our still-recovering economy. And do it in a way that doesn’t hurt the gas station owners. Help them be your ambassadors.
2. Reach out to all the families. Be sincere. The lawyers may tell you not to say too much due to the risk of ligitation — but you’re already facing tons of lawsuits. Be humble. Be honest.
3. Get your executives out there on the beaches where tar is washing up. Put hard hats on them and shovels in their hands. Hiring temporary workers to do the work is helpful too, especially since some Americans are cancelling their beach vacations due to fear and uncertainty around the spill. Hiring more workers to keep the beaches really clean could keep some coastal communities from hurting quite so badly.
I could make a much longer list. Take James Cameron up on his offer to help. Could it hurt? Hire all the skimmers in the world and fly them in to scoop up as much oil as you possibly can. It’s human when you make a mess to clean it up. Oh, here’s a really difficult one:
Say you’re sorry. Say it loud and say it often.
