One email can change everything
By mid-2018, the first signs of trouble began to emerge.
Up until then, I’d witnessed some peculiar incidents and heard my share of odd speeches, but they all felt inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. The business was thriving, revenue was growing, and any cracks in the foundation seemed minor. But a turning point was just around the corner.
In October 2018, major outlets like CNN, New York Post, and Daily Mail. published stories about a former Director of Culture suing WeWork for sexual assault. The news spread quickly, sparking widespread concern. In response, Miguel sent out a company-wide email explaining that she had been let go due to performance issues, citing neglect of assignments and skipped meetings.
Rather than quelling the fire, Miguel’s email poured fuel on it, igniting a storm of backlash both inside and outside the company. Employees and the public were outraged at the tone and timing of the response, which came across as defensive and lacking in empathy. The fallout was swift, and Miguel kept a low profile for weeks afterward.
This moment revealed a troubling gap in judgment and restraint during critical situations. It was a stark reminder of how much weight a single email can carry—and the importance of handling sensitive issues with care and professionalism.
Takeaways
- Tone Matters in Crisis
A defensive or poorly timed response can escalate backlash and damage trust. - Having a Trusted Team
Sensitive situations require a thoughtful and measured team of advisors and peers to avoid slips like this. - One Misstep Can Reverberate
A single email or decision can have lasting consequences for both internal morale and public perception.