Dealing With Mistakes

One thing we all have in common is our imperfection. This was the focus of my most recent blog entry. Specifically, that revolved around the challenge many, particularly persons in the public arena, seem to have in conceding they messed up. Privately, of course, we all admit that as easily as fessing up to how often we breath. But put someone in a room full of others, in front of a microphone or on television and suddenly the act of admitting the obvious becomes a "bridge too far." Take, for instance, a spokesman whose role it is to speak on behalf of a political candidate. In that capacity, it is the job of the professional communicator to represent their client in a positive light.

Time to time, however, that straightforward assignment is knocked off track when the spokesman - not the client - says something wrong or not-quite accurate in terms of properly articulating the perspective of who they represent. This happens even with folks who are making a good faith effort to do their job to the best of their ability. The mistake is theirs and not their boss'. What to do? On the one-hand, there is the concern that to admit a mistake reflects badly both on the spokesman as well as their boss. On the other, to not acknowledge a misstatement or deny it ever happened is dishonest and also reflects both on the spokesperson and their client.   

For professional communicators, to actively take part in any kind of cover-up or deviation from the truth is the worst kind of mistake. To all spokespersons, the best thing to do if and when you err is to admit your mistake in a venue that is as widely seen and/or read as the one where the original goof occurred.  People make mistakes cause that is the way we imperfect beings roll. The public understands that because they, too, carry with them the mantle of imperfection. The trick is to simply be honest about. Being honest in such a situation is what reflects best on both the communicator and their client.