So I talk about honesty and ethics but obviously as a business you can’t be brutally honest all the time so the question becomes, “When do I spin?” Spinning the message can be a tricky thing. Unfortunately it is most often used negatively, but can be used positively, such as in the Public Relations field. Well in my opinion, here are cases when it is ok to spin the message. Just remember, when in doubt, back out!
Spin When:
“• The benefits described by the sender of the message are real – and truly add value to the receiver of the message. For the long-term viability of the organization, business transactions need to be “win-win.” (Think Mutually Beneficial)
• The spinning is done to help the larger good – not just promote the person doing it. (No need to be selfish now.)
• The sender describing the benefits truly believes that the overall impact to the receiver of the message is positive. For example, great leaders effectively promote their organizations. They may highlight the positives of their companies more than the negatives, but they believe (on balance) that their organizations add value to stakeholders – whether they are employees, stockholders or customers.
• Optimism is balanced with realism. Optimism is a characteristic that is highly correlated with success in any field. Yet optimists often over-commit. In the short-term, positive projections for the future may motivate people to buy products, services or stocks. In the long-term, leaders have to consistently deliver on promises – or they will be seen as being to unreliable to justify an investment.”
Filed under: Business | Tagged: ethics, honesty, spin, spinning the message, spinning top, top, When to spin
