Do the Right Thing

What is doing the right thing? Is it upholding moral standard when no one is looking? Is it acknowledgeing that gut feeling? Is it embracing the interests of others? -- I think its all of these.

I was asked to read "Do the Right Thing: PR Tips for a Skeptical Public" by James Hoggan and Richard D. Littlemore. This book provides tips for public relations professionals on how to build reputation and credibility among publics.

Hoggan and Littlemore provide readers with three "Golden Rules" for doing the right thing. They are: #1 Do the Right Thing, #2 Be Seen Doing the Right Thing, and #3 Don't Get #1 & #2 Mixed up.

This three-pronged approach to integrity seems pretty simple and straight forward, wouldn't you agree? Then why do so many companies and executives get it wrong every day?



From sex-scandals, to drug and money infingement, global warming to politics, so many public figures and organizations choose to do the wrong thing. I consider the wrong thing as lying to the public, not upholding the moral grounding, not lowering transparent, or forgetting about 2-way communication with publics. These strategies are sure ways to damage your reputation.

So I've decided to take these three rules and apply them to myself, so that I can build a credible reputation. When I think of doing the right thing, immediately the idea of obeying the law comes to mind. But I think Hoggan takes this first rule a little further than that. He speaks about ethic, a characteristic I have worked to achieve for myself and hope is represented in my everyday life.

The second rule, --be seen doing the right thing, is pivital to achieveing the first rule. It is not enough to simply do the right thing, we must be seen doing the right thing. It is not enough to simply say I stand behind this or believe that, people must see "that thing" represented in your performance and behavior. I will apply this rule to what I create, how I present myself, and what I am comitmented to. I will work to satisfy obligations and do what is just, which at times may be unfavorable.

Lastly, Hoggan says that we cannot get rules #1 and #2 mixed up. I interpret this as we must not do the right thing for the sake of publicity or conversation. We must do the right thing simply because we are sincere. This, in turn, only strengthens your individual creativity and integrity, which will reflect your character.