It's A Public Affair

This is a difficult story to tell. It's difficult because it's about a mistake that I made and I'm too embarrassed to reveal all of the details. Therefore, I'm going to be intentionally vague.

The mistake occurred at work. It was not scandalous or bad enough to warrant a reprimand. But it angered several employees, who in turn expressed their anger verbally and in writing.

While discussing the circumstances with another employee who had a similar incident recently, it was supposed that I was viewed as cold and heartless, and perhaps focusing only on the organization and not the individual.

OK. Wait a minute. What? One of my actions garnered disapproval which begat judgement that I was callous? Seriously? I'm one of the most empathetic people I have ever met.

But actions speak louder than words. As I looked back over the past couple of weeks, I replayed in my head several damning conversations I'd had. Similar to a movie scene when the protagonist has a series of quick flashbacks, and he or she realizes they're the werewolf killing the town folk, I too had my moment of clarity.

This clarity led me down the hall to our Public Affairs Director. Fortunately she understood my dilemma. Unfortunately, she had thought my action was a problem and did not intercede. Frankly she explained that because I was new in the position she was unsure if I would be respondent.

Never one to invite bad publicity or wish to have my department seen in a bad light, I instantly made a pact. If she believes I'm headed down the path of creating a bad image, she will take a proactive stance. If I recognize my circumstances require better communication skills, I will seek her counsel.

I apologize if this post has been too vague for your liking. But just as some things require more explanation, some things are better left unsaid. Deciding which choice to make is not always clear. That's when you call in the professionals. That's when you call in Public Affairs.

If you haven't already, create a pact with Public Affairs. As Plato said, "the price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." Even if you're not evil, without Public Affairs, people will think you are.