Speak Up and Save Your Reputation

Speak Up and Save Your Reputation

Fired FBI Director James Comey’s Senate Intelligence Committee testimony that he felt “queasy” that former Attorney General Loretta Lynch was providing cover for Hillary Clinton last summer.  That’s enough to prompt a Senate Judiciary Committee investigation, according to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

“I think we need to know more about that, and there’s only one way to know about it, and that’s to have the Judiciary Committee take a look at that,” Feinstein says.

Comey went along with Lynch’s request many times, trying to minimize the seriousness of the Clinton investigation.  A true leader wouldn’t do that.  They’d ask “Is this right?”  The leader would schedule a crucial conversation.  “Crucial” because a lot is at stake.  For the FBI, for the Justice Department, for the integrity of elections.  And that’s just for starters.

Experience and research shows that avoiding a crucial conversation is a mistake.  A big one.  Comey didn’t have to refuse to follow his boss’ request outright.  But at least ask about distorting the facts, which could impact a presidential election.  After all, “an investigation” is more serious than a “matter.”  That’s why it’s not the Federal Bureau of Matters.

You’re likely not involved in a presidential investigation, but you face many crucial conversations.  Are you avoiding them?  Delaying them?  You can tackle issues this in a nice way.  Or you can avoid the situation.  So speak up and save your reputation.

Avoiding will only make you look bad.  It’s a moment of truth.  You can come across to others as wimp or as a leader.

Speak Up and Save Your Reputation:  Takeaways

1. Try to show empathy or understanding for your boss’ request.
2. Learn more about why they believe their approach is best — especially after others scrutinize it.
3. Control your emotions to avoid an outburst like “How can you make me to do this?”
4. So stay calm and focus on your discussion.
5. Try to agree in a mutual goal.
6. If you can’t agree on one you find acceptable, take the issue to a higher authority.  Your boss’ boss.
7. Quit if you’re forced to misrepresent or lie.  You’ll give up your job but protect your reputation.

I’m mentoring several executives, helping them to talk matters through rather than just stewing over them.  Contact me if you’d like guidance:  bob@kaplitz.tv.