Playing the Long Game to Improve Reputation; Avoiding Becoming Enablers and Accomplices
A two-piece breakdown
Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is discontented with the criticized reputation of his publication. In response, he wants to build a balance of viewpoints for his editorial board. One step towards that goal is his decision to bring aboard conservative commentator, Scott Jennings.
“I think it’s important for us to differentiate. The editorial board is responsible for these opinions on these voices,” Soon-Shiong said in October. “So, right now, we don’t have an editorial board, if we are truly honest about ourselves, that is balanced. And so, I’ve gotten beaten up about ‘fair and balance.
“So, I’m looking for people like Scott Jennings,” Soon-Shiong added.
What stands out here is that he accepts responsibility for differences of analysis and viewpoint and a move away from an echo chamber, real or perceived. Soon-Shiong appears to feel a more ethical, respected, profitable way forward is less one-sided bias. He wants the LA Times to still be strong in opinion, yet not one note.
In short, the LA Times is pursuing increased credibility, trust and improved reputation.
He will experience initial blowback yet Soon-Shiong is playing the long game and knows to survive and prosper, he has to make this hard decision, damn the blowback.
“He's one of the few who's willing to speak out about the ugly side of fame, about the things in power that people would like to keep hidden,” it has been said about comedian and actor Katt Williams.
It’s bold, risky and courageous to communicate, especially publicly, that information which certain people don’t want brought to light that could cause their reputation, financial situation and legal freedom to suffer badly.
“If there's one thing people that people in power hate it's losing control,” a video narrator said of the “Diddy” and entertainment business.
While I am not in that particular industry, I’ve witnessed that exact truism up close and personal in different (noble) professions and in people’s personal relationships.
What you too may learn is just the tip of the iceberg as to the frequency of people fearing a loss of control and choosing to conduct themselves in egregious, immoral and illegal ways to intimidate, silence and harm others and not being held morally or legally accountable.
People who are willing to speak up/out are often discredited or far worse.
Yes, liars exist and they are dangerous yet it’s usually the truth tellers who suffer more than the liars are believed.
It’s vitally important to not quickly dismiss people who are communicating about wrongdoing because one’s emotions and biases want to avoid listening, reading, learning and taking corrective action to mitigate damage and take the honorable course correction steps.
Intentional or not, people who choose emotionally-driven dismissiveness or rejection show a lack of moral courage and become enablers and arguably, accomplices.
This newsletter — Reputation Intelligence — is written by Michael Toebe, and is a product of Reputation Intelligence - Reputation Quality, a firm which helps individuals and organizations assure a greater peace of mind, provide stress relief through reliable decision analysis, consulting, advisory and communications.
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