I was speaking with a friend recently regarding the passing of author J.D. Salinger. His initial comment – “How would anyone ever know?” – was both facetious and understandable. Notorious for guarding his privacy, Salinger is the opposite of many clients for whom we work – organizations eager to share their expertise and build their presence in their respective industries and among key constituencies.
While Salinger’s particular approach to his work and career was extreme for even the most publicity-shy among us, there is a lesson here for the communications field. There is a time to be visible and proactive, and there is a time to step back from the limelight. There are times to talk, and there are times to listen and observe.
