TROY – Ethics is one of our key values and it needs strengthening in today?s business world, writes John Bailey, founder of John Bailey & Associates, a Troy public relations firm. We can and should talk about ethics a lot. To begin discussion, I offer my simple outline.
1. Find the truth then tell it.
2. It is our job – as professional communicators ? to express ourselves to management about communicating to all audiences. We can?t wait until after management takes action?that may be too late.
3. However, sometimes you should not tell everything out of respect.
4. Be honest. If you know, say so. If you do and can?t say, say that. If you don?t know, say that.
5. You are never off the record. Yes, you can provide background information but be very careful not to go beyond background until you are ready.
6. Don?t play games with the media. Be honest, open, responsible, and responsive when delivering the truth.
7. Plan well for interviews. Anticipate questions. Ask the toughest yourself.
8. No comment is a huge comment?about you or your organization.
9. Communicate often to all audiences. Never forget the internal audience.
10. Both of these last two points help you evaluate if what you are doing is right.
Would your mother approve of what you are saying or doing?
Would you tell your children to do what you are doing?
Printed with permission of John Bailey. You can read more of John?s comments at BaileyBlog.Com
