ExxonMobil is going through unprecedented and trying times, the company is in a crises. I find it Interesting that the CEO of the Company has not communicated to the employees during these times. When employees most need to hear from the leader, he is silent, instead, the VP’s push out a communications periodically and hold forums, which is good but where is the CEO in charge. This is what’s wrong with the culture. It would have been nice if he could have put out one or two pre-recorded messages addressing the employees, assuring them that he is appropriately responding to these events, make us all feel good basically. Instead, he put out a paragraph or two in a written communication to be posted online. Terrible. This is the culture, hide behind well vetted, politically correct written communications vs. outright frank honest comms. DW is missing in action.
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@jgj+16Srn0iT DW is mad he's not making as much as MW at CVX lol. What has he done to earn that much? Nothing.
So, does anyone remember the other person who was in-line to replace Rex. DW was picked, but who came 2nd? Is said person happy/sad that they came 2nd...
First place wins a Cadillac, second place wins a set of steak knives.
The culture is so ridgid and controlled that we are afraid to communicate to the outside world in fear of making a mistake or saying something wrong. Most CEOs can take questions head on and navigate a back-and-forth scenario with a reporter, Darren does not do that well unless carefully scripted. If the message is a hard one to communicate it’s easier not to communicate at all, or only do in prepared package.
My guess is that DW is in the penalty box for his lack of communication skills.
His worst communications:
The ranking system worked for him.
Telling investors they were going to make personnel reductions, but it was a routine performance based program.
He is not paid enough.
He left his ball somewhere and PIP employee stoned them.
Shame to have such leader who is hiding away during crisis.
A reply poster elsewhere noted something like:
"Darren looks like the last mannequin in the last Lord & Taylor."
(I'm JC Penney myself)
If you put a recorded message in there - would anybody hear it?
He comes across as nervous, not the best communicator hence hiring someone to help him communicate messages. Look for more communication from him once he gets coach in place.
Guy has trouble relating to people other than himself. Zero empathy. Not saying that he is a sociopath, but it does check a box. Reminds me of another president I know ...
Did you see we hired a new global comms guy? https://www.prweek.com/article/1693972/exxonmobil-hires-medtronic-alum-rob-clark-global-comms-head
DW doesn’t think that it is his role to communicate with employees. That is line management’s responsibility. He views his role is to talk to the investor community to boost stock price (clearly he’s underpaid based on stock performance /s)
Could it be the puppet master got PIP'd and decided to let the puppet (DW) swing on its own strings?
DW couldn’t even talk to investors at the second quarter earnings (or should I say loss) call. It’s time to separate the CEO and President roles. On top of that, time to drain the EM swamp.
DW's not a good speaker, they've worked with him on that since he became CEO. So I'm sure a pre-recorded message wouldn't do the trick.
Don’t expect much, he is paid well below his peer