By admitting his sexual relationships with fellow workers, Letterman short-circuited his alleged extortionist, who according to Letterman demanded $2 million for silence.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched companies and individuals publicly deny wrongdoing, only to have the truth of their unsavory behavior come out later. And usually the truth is revealed after weeks, months or years of bad publicity.
Think Bill Clinton.
Unfortunately, public confessionals have become too commonplace for people to hear them without a certain amount of cynicism. But still, from a public relations standpoint, it’s the best way to go.
So, next time the lawyers or the spinmeisters urge that you stonewall or deny, consider the following:
- Admitting a mistake or misdeed gives you a measure of control over the public discussion about the situation. You get to frame the issue by the way you announce it.
- Admitting that you did something wrong is the right thing – the ethical thing to do.
- The public is willing to give a certain amount of respect and forgiveness to people and organizations who say they’ve gone astray – especially if the offenders offer to make amends.
- Admitting wrongdoing can shorten the life of the story. True, the bloggers and talking heads will have new fodder, but it won't be nearly as juicy.
