According to Warren Buffett, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it!” Or, in Anthony Weiner’s case, lying about a misrouted photo posted to Twitter.
Whether we should hold our elected representatives to a higher, moral code or not has been debated ad nauseam.
What is perfectly clear is that Weiner’s personal brand has gone from “NYC mayor hopeful” to “a creep and incessant liar.” Who needs enemies and critics derailing your career when you’re doing a fine job of it yourself?
Our reputations are formed by three main elements, over which we have total control: our words, our actions, and our appearance. The combination of which form the foundation of our credibility. And, it’s our credibility that establishes trust with clients and prospects and communicates our ability to deliver on our word.
Avoid compromising your success by considering the following:
Be the first to expose your mistake. According to Crystal Rockwood whose crisis communications firm specializes in repairing reputations, “Get [the news of the mistake] out first, fast, and in full. By being the first, you have the ability to set the narrative of how the story will unfold.” It also lessens the incentive for others to further probe into your history with the hopes of finding fuel to feed the crisis.
Simply tell the truth. Everyone makes mistakes. Human nature is to forgive. As Cheryl Bame, public relations strategist and author of LegalPRAdvice.com, points out, “As soon as the media sensed that Weiner wasn’t telling the truth, the focus of their investigation heightened from a “lapse in judgment” to “possible ethical violations.” Telling the truth won’t necessarily make the mishap go away, but it can aid in keeping your credibility in tact.
Be accountable. “The first rule of life is actions have consequences, and the second rule is you are the only one responsible for your own actions,” (author unknown). Depending on the severity of the circumstances, understand that being accountable may require anything from a formal apology to your resignation.
An oft quoted proverb sums it up, “Wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, fools by their own.”
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Time and time again, it’s the cover up, not the crime that gets us in trouble. In the crucible of the event that’s hard to remember. We keep thinking, “if I can just get out of this jam, I’m home free.” As you suggest, Jonathan, honesty may be the antidote. But honesty under those circumstances takes real courage and character in the face of unknown consequences. Will we rise to the occasion when the situation arises?