Commenting on the Blagojevich scandal and others, Bill Sledzik brings up an important point in his post “Restoring public trust: Today’s headlines have me wondering if it’s possible.”
As public relations professionals, we’re in a bind. We can choose not to “swim with the snakes,” but as their spokespersons and advocates, we must stand up and speak for them — at least if we want to remain employed.
Bill goes on to point out that Governor Blagojevich’s spokeswoman, Kelley Quinn, knew that she’d find herself in that position sooner or later when she took the job.
Maybe so. But I’d bet that most PR professionals never expect to have to deal with a major reputation crisis. I’d also bet that most PR people don’t have a clue what’s actually going on in the executive suite, and when hell breaks loose, they’re often as surprised as anyone else.
Chances are, if you’re speaking on behalf of a company, you’ll eventually find yourself taking a beating for someone else’s mess. I’ve been in that kind of bind, though thankfully with a much lower profile. It’s never fun.
There have been times when I’ve asked myself whether or not I can be the spokesperson for an unpopular issue while maintaining my personal and professional integrity. I’ve asked myself if it’s worth a paycheck, worth putting food on the family table and keeping a roof over our heads. The answer hasn’t always been yes.
I don’t envy anyone in that position. As the job market dries up, however, it’s not always a question you have the luxury to ask. Not until you hit rock bottom.
If you find yourself that question, you have my sincere sympathy and respect.
Hi, Glen. I appreciate the spotlight on my post.
The spokesperson’s dilemma is one we discuss often in my classrooms when the topic turns to ethics in public relations. In an ideal world, we choose the clients we want to represent, and we refuse assignments that violate our professional morality. But this isn’t an ideal world.
When I ran my own agency, I left a good deal of cash on the table rather than “swim with the snakes.” I slept well at night. But when I worked for others, my options were more limited. I had a mortgage, two kids, two cars… Resigning my job simply wasn’t an option, so I sucked it up and did the best I could. I tell those stories in my classroom, by the way.
You are correct in saying too many PR folks don’t know what’s happening in the C-suites. When we don’t have hi-level access, we have little control over outcomes, and few chances to impact the ethics of the organization.
Bill, I think the greatest ethical challenge comes when you don’t realize you’re swimming with the snakes, as you put it, then find yourself thrust into a compromising situation. As you point out, many people have obligations that make it impractical to walk away (or get out of the water?) on the spur of the moment.
Figuring out how to manage the situation — or step away from the situation — professionally and without sacrificing your personal integrity, and unfortunately it’s never as simple as it seems from a distance. Distance is a luxury.