Readers of this blog will have seen my comments about the insensitive email that Garry Cook Chief Executive of Manchester City FC allegedly sent to a player's mother. Manchester City FC have today
Readers of this blog will have seen my comments about the insensitive email that Garry Cook Chief Executive of Manchester City FC allegedly sent to a player's mother. Manchester City FC have today issued a statement confirming that there was foundation to the allegations against Mr Cook and that he has resigned.
As I commented, had Mr Cook sent the email that by itself would not necessarily have warranted his resignation or dismissal. However, the more serious allegation was that Mr Cook had lied in stating that someone had hacked into his email account and sent the email to the player's mother. We do not know the findings made by Manchester City FC, other than an admission by Mr Cook that he made an "error of judgment" and that the club have confirmed that there is "foundation" to the allegations. Had Mr Cook lied that would have been a much more serious issue raising questions about trust and confidence and Mr Cook's suitability to remain as Chief Executive and the public face of the club. We may never find out what are the findings of Manchester City FC's internal investigation and therefore whether there was a finding that Mr Cook lied.
Over the years many public figures have been forced to resign following revelations that they have lied. History shows that more often than not it is the cover up that gets you rather than the initial incident. In today's era of electronic communication little, if anything, can be covered up. So, beware of the dangers of emails...
As I commented, had Mr Cook sent the email that by itself would not necessarily have warranted his resignation or dismissal. However, the more serious allegation was that Mr Cook had lied in stating that someone had hacked into his email account and sent the email to the player's mother. We do not know the findings made by Manchester City FC, other than an admission by Mr Cook that he made an "error of judgment" and that the club have confirmed that there is "foundation" to the allegations. Had Mr Cook lied that would have been a much more serious issue raising questions about trust and confidence and Mr Cook's suitability to remain as Chief Executive and the public face of the club. We may never find out what are the findings of Manchester City FC's internal investigation and therefore whether there was a finding that Mr Cook lied.
Over the years many public figures have been forced to resign following revelations that they have lied. History shows that more often than not it is the cover up that gets you rather than the initial incident. In today's era of electronic communication little, if anything, can be covered up. So, beware of the dangers of emails...