everyday public relations

If you work in public relations then sooner or later you will confront this issue. You know the one I mean where you have to decide whether your job is worth the flak you receive over a decision that was made way above you but has filtered down the line until finally you are the one who must “handle” the negative fallout.

I like to think I am an ethical person. I believe that the best policy in most cases is honesty. I do concede that there are some situations where you have a need to know situation and the general public simply does not need to know, but for 99% of the issues I deal with, honesty is always the best policy.

Therefore it was a little upsetting to be dealing with the negative press surrounding a decision that way predates my employment, by more than a year.

The field of public relations has received so much grief lately that I hesitate to add any more fuel to the fire….but there are times when you have to stand your ground and stand up for the principles you believe in. (At least until you reach your breaking point)

I was asked to write a release about a breaking news situation at work. A situation that resulted from a decision made by some nameless suit way before I ever came along. The issue at hand was one that got a ton of people (read activists) fired up. A few years ago I would have been on the front lines with them protesting the absurdity of the situation but now…well lets just say I have a better understanding of the issues and can clearly see both sides. I am not saying that my understanding makes things right or wrong, just that I am more informed than the average greenpeace’er.

So I have been answering media calls, responding with our standard response, all the while feeling pretty crappy about what I was saying.

So where do you draw the line?

When do your personal ethics have to supersede your loyalty to your employer?

I guess I still don’t know.

Maybe I am a sell out…maybe I just realize that I have a family of four counting on me to bring home a paycheck, but I didn’t once cross the line and mix my personal feelings with the “Official” stand of my organization. I did it. This time.

I can honestly say that I won’t do it forever. There will come a day when I say, I have had enough and just walk away. Until then…

Don’t judge me. We are all guilty of selling out at some point, (regardless if you admit or not)and until you reach that point, you have no idea what it feels like.

“Forever trust in who we are, and nothing else matters…”

Got a comment. I’d like to hear it.