Because stupid mistakes in public relations have
painful consequences, all leaders, Old School and Sustainable Leaders alike –
concur that they’re to be avoided like the plague. Here is how:
1. Prior to making any choice, ask yourself “Who will it serve?” If it’ll serve the management
or stockholders at the cost of the customers or employees, give it a long, hard
thought before you implement the plan.
2. Gain input from an objective, trusted 3rd
party. Someone who honestly will inform you that your baby really is ugly.
3. As you make a stupid public relations mistake in spite
of the numbers 1 and 2, the CEO – not a representative! – has to publicly
state, “I’m sorry for what I did and I
was wrong.”
Number three is critical if you want to snuff this
type of blunder out moving ahead. If the head honcho must stand at the head of
the class then take full responsibility for all seedy or unethical moves her or
his company makes… well, let us put it plainly: no one likes to be publicly
humiliated. Accountability begins with the top, leaders; therefore, let us
begin to own up to our company’s mistakes.
Now, I am a big fan of failing forward, of organizations
and people who thrive through error. Here’s the last thing I want: to encourage
even less risk-taking all in the name of a decrease in mistakes. Therefore, let
us be crystal clear: misguided business decisions, gambles that fail – nobody’s
keeping score of how many times you attempt something and fail. It is those
wins that matter.
Stupid PR mistakes are ethical lapses. “PR” will come
into play as the public learns what you are up to then cries foul. And for
that, companies must strive to go above and beyond Six Sigma standards. There
isn’t any excuse for an organization not to have an ethical lapse. Does it
happen? Maybe. Is it ever okay? Never.
For more details contact Leading
Management Solutions at (407) 674-1916. We offer public relations and event
planning according to a practice’s budget. This includes:
-Development and assistance with implementation of
marketing strategies.
-Development of company awareness and recognition in
the community.
-Participation and company representation in local
events.
-Assistance with company event planning, such as Grand
Openings, Meet the Docs, and Patient Appreciation events.
Leading Management Solutions is a healthcare management solutions company providing consulting and resources to healthcare managers. Contact us today at (407) 674-1916. Visit our website at www.lmshealthpro.com.
About the Author:
Kristen
Brady is the founder and owner of Kaboom
Social Media, your social media marketing and content specialists! Follow
her on Twitter: @kb54927
