August 16, 2008
Q. Recent events have exposed extramarital affairs and financial mismanagement by prominent local and national officials and former candidates. I have suspicions that my client may be covering up something along those lines. What’s your advice if the media get wind of it?
A: Manage the story and cut your losses. If anyone thinks he or she can cover up an error of this magnitude, that person is sadly mistaken and will pay a high price. This holds true whether you hold the highest office in the land or are the CEO of a local company.
Assume the story will break, so be the one to release it. Taking a proactive approach to a story gives you a chance to position it to your advantage and manage the message. If you try to cover something up, you’ll have two problems: the original one and the cover-up. The truth always comes out in the end. Make your client understand that telling the truth right away will win respect for being honest and straightforward.
Remember, you always have a choice, even in the heat of a crisis. Tell the truth and tell it early so everyone can move on and put lives back together.
Need advice? Send your situations to Dome.
Paula Blanchard Stone and Patty McCarthy are partners in McCarthyBlanchard, an executive training firm specializing in key message development, presentation skills training, media interview training and executive presence. Copyright © 2008 McCarthy Blanchard. | Website
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