Comfort Zone

In many ways, people are divided into two categories: those who stand in front of the camera and those who stand behind it. It is my contention that by the time we survive our teen years and enter into adulthood, we have a good idea as to whether we are one of those folks who enjoy the spotlight or being the center of attention versus being a person who prefers taking a more behind-the-scene posture in their personal and professional lives. As a result, with this self-knowledge, we gravitate toward those jobs and circumstances that support our preferences and keep us within our own comfort zones.

Generally, I would guess the profession of public relations is viewed as being for those who are more gregarious and who enjoy either enjoy being the focus of others or, at the very least, very close to where all eyes are directed. That observation has never been scientifically tested, so no one can say for sure if it is correct. I, however, tend to think it is not. In my forty years in the communication profession, it is my observation that public relations workers prefer doing what they can to keep the spotlight on others and not themselves. They write press releases for others, they arrange for others to be interviewed by the media, and they ghost write speeches and articles for others.

Public relations workers are the ones standing behind the camera, giving those in front guidance, support and information so they will shine and be impressive to others. Of course, all public relations workers work with others on a daily basis, so this is not to imply they are loners who do not enjoy engaging with others. I am sure they do. At the same time, it is my unscientific observation that public relations professionals are introverts who enjoy dabbling in an environment of extraverts. Assuming for a moment this is true, this suggests communicators are rather complex personalities who operate in a constant state of contradiction or inner conflict.