I realize that hiding behind lawyers and PR spin gurus is in the CEO handbook.  It is a play run over and over in the annals of corporate history.  Most often, in the long run, it is  a strategy that backfires.

I have also  been around respected corporate  leaders.   This includes my brother, Mark Cuban, who is widely considered one of the most innovative and respected business leaders in the world.  I have seen how they handled public  debate about controversial business decisions.  I have seen how their handling of these issues has either weakened or strengthened their companies internally and in the public eye.  I have had a front row seat to what works and what fails.

I have also seen the difference between business leaders who hope people follow and those who lead by example.  Leaders who stand out in front of controversial customer issues no matter how small others may perceive it.   Leaders who make it known that they are actively engaged in the discussion and tell us, their customers, how THEY feel.  True corporate leaders.

I have also seen  those who have no interest in leading.  They had an idea.  They made a ton.  They delegate others to further the idea while they go out and have a ball with their windfall.  They are not engaged with the customer and have no desire to be. They only show themselves when there is a crisis that could affect the bottom line.  When an issue reaches  a critical mass.  Unless this occurs,  If you want to know what they are thinking you wait for the press release or contact their P.R department.

Which type of business leader are you Mark?   Why won’t you come out from behind your lawyers and PR spin gurus to have a conversation about Holocaust Denial Groups on your site.

I have no doubt you have personally interacted with your employees on this issue.  I have no doubt you are highly  respected by your employees.  Does it end there?  What about your customers?   Come out to have a conversation with your community, your customers,on this important issue. Why not?  Is it because the controversy  has not generated the same outcry as the recent TOS change with regards to ownership of user content?  I understand a good leader delegates but it is not like this issue is a single email from some guy in Katmandu.  It seems pretty clear that tens of thousands of people have taken interest. Do you only engage your customers when an issue reaches critical mass?  That is not the act of an engaged leader.   Come on out and to play for a while.  Talk to us.  I for one am listening.