Free Advice

So let’s say you’re a company that’s seen a little criticism lately.

Let’s say you’re asked to comment on that criticism.

Let’s say you don’t think you did anything wrong and you’re being portrayed in an unfair light.

Something I think you should consider doing, is not defending yourself. Don’t present your side of the story. Don’t try to explain why that’s not representative of your culture. Don’t tell people how hard you’re working on whatever.

Just tell people that you’re going to investigate, that you’re going to do what you can to correct the situation, and that you’re going to make sure this isn’t a systemic issue.

Here’s a free template :)

Hi [Reporter],

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Please give [subject of story] my contact info [appropriate phone number and email address for an actual adult person at your company empowered to handle this situation]. We’ll be sure to get to the bottom of this, correct what we find as best we’re able, and find out if this is part of a broader issue that we need work on. We’ll do our best to be transparent about how this turns out and our progress as we make it.

Thanks, [Actual adult at your company]

And then, ya know, do that stuff.