I want to talk to you about the number one public relations mistake that individuals, organizations, and governments make.
Don’t make this mistake: If you mess up, don’t try to say that you didn’t mess up. Don’t try to say that it’s really not so bad. Don’t lie. Don’t shade it. Don’t evade it.
You can say “I’m not allowed to talk about it,” but don’t cover it up.
The most common fallacy among people who have a lot to lose with their reputation is that they should double down. Don’t double down.
A great example of someone who did exactly what I’m recommending—and had positive results—is the current Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
In 1993, Netanyahu was running to become the head of the Likud party. His wife received a threatening phone call at home that said, “We know that your husband had an affair. We’re going to release the tape unless he drops out of the race.”
Imagine what she must have been feeling.
What did Netanyahu do? He went on TV and said, “Yeah, I did it. It’s over. It’s done. Let’s move on.”
That is the way to handle it: Be direct, own it, and just go forward.
Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal 