Page 139 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

Bad Company Publicity

The Motivational Mindset
■ Hold meetings to address concerns.
■ Disclose only what is allowable, but answer questions
honestly.
■ If the company’s actions were immoral or illegal, don’t defend
them. Talk about changes and what it will take to make
corrections and move forward.
■ If someone in the company or an executive of the company
was wrongly accused, inspire support from the ranks.
■ Even if the company or executive was in the wrong, inspire
support for the work to be done to turn the situation around
and retain (or regain) respect in the community.
■ You may lose some people along the way. It’s to be expected.
■ Do not allow whistle-blowers to be abused. Even if you
disagree with their actions, even if they could have used other
channels, and even if their suspicions were wrong, these are
usually not people who want to hurt anyone. In fact, their
motivation is likely to protect as many people as possible, and
they risk their own comfort to do so.
■ Be a model of ethical behavior, no matter what’s happening
around you.
■ Clearly follow your company’s legal and public relations
guidelines when addressing employees.
■ Inform employees of legal and public relations guidelines to
ensure their compliance.

Motivational Phrases

■ “Do you have any questions?”
■ “We need your support during this difficult time.”
■ “We have made mistakes.” (If you’re allowed to say that, say it.)

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