Negative press can damage your reputation, erode your trust, and trigger a crisis. How you handle it can make or break your brand image and relationships with your stakeholders. In this article, you will learn some effective ways to manage conflicts arising from negative press and turn them into opportunities for improvement and growth.
The first step to manage conflicts arising from negative press is to acknowledge the issue and show empathy. Ignoring or denying the problem can make it worse and create more distrust and resentment. Respond quickly and sincerely to the negative press, whether it is a complaint, a criticism, or a mistake. Apologize if necessary and express your understanding of the impact and the emotions involved. This can help you diffuse the tension and show your accountability and respect.
I'm learning on the news of a person who is so passionate about change or criticizing someone in social media, that they've made the headlines, and have created a need for high profile people of Hospitals or Entrepreneurs to be attacked. This is not acceptable. I have a vision for LinkedIn to remain a positive platform of communication and integrity. As someone who is educated, has a been in Sales (a field thats taken beatings in social media), Cyber, is kind, positive, understands empathy, and can be an overcommunicator, we can't ignore this. Former Sales Trainings have taught me to acknowledge the situation of the impact and the emotions involved. It helps with diffusion of the crisis, shows empathy, respect, and better hits the spot.
The second step to manage conflicts arising from negative press is to clarify the facts and correct any misinformation or misunderstanding. Negative press can often be based on inaccurate, incomplete, or biased information that can mislead or confuse your audience. Provide clear and relevant evidence and data to support your position and explain your actions and decisions. Avoid being defensive or aggressive and focus on being transparent and honest. This can help you restore your credibility and authority and address any concerns or questions.
I've been someone who wants to see change too. Therapy has taught me, we can't change another person. There are times when revolutionary changes and cooperation are required, if we are to figure how to get along in a new world rowing in alignment and in the same direction. I have personally had frustrations with an industry in Cybersecurity where I've seen doors shut to consider me for employment. Rather than raking companies over the coals publicly, I take challenges head on. I called them, and I listened to their position for today. I asked good questions, and aimed to clear paths. I was passionate, about women needing to find open doors, I shared my stories with this company of the past. Guess what? It was breakthru moment.
The third step to manage conflicts arising from negative press is to communicate your solutions and demonstrate your commitment. Negative press can often expose your weaknesses or gaps that need to be addressed or improved. Show your audience how you are taking action to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again. Share your goals, plans, and strategies and highlight the benefits and value they will bring. Involve your stakeholders in the process and seek their feedback and input. This can help you build trust and confidence and show your responsiveness and innovation.
The fourth step to manage conflicts arising from negative press is to engage your supporters and leverage your positive reputation. Negative press can often overshadow your achievements and strengths that deserve recognition and appreciation. Reach out to your loyal customers, partners, employees, and advocates and ask them to share their positive experiences and testimonials with your brand. Showcase your success stories, awards, and social impact and highlight your mission and vision. This can help you balance the negative press and reinforce your brand identity and values.
The fifth step to manage conflicts arising from negative press is to monitor the situation and measure your results. Negative press can often have lasting effects that need to be tracked and evaluated. Use various tools and methods to monitor the sentiment, reach, and impact of the negative press and your responses. Analyze the data and feedback and identify the trends, patterns, and insights. Adjust your strategy and tactics accordingly and report your progress and outcomes. This can help you improve your performance and reputation and learn from your mistakes and opportunities.
The sixth step to manage conflicts arising from negative press is to seek professional help if needed. Negative press can sometimes escalate into a serious crisis that requires expert guidance and intervention. If you are facing legal, ethical, or financial challenges or risks that are beyond your capacity or expertise, consult a professional corporate communications specialist or agency. They can help you devise and implement a crisis management plan and provide you with the best practices and resources. This can help you protect your brand and reputation and recover from the crisis.