#RIGHTeveryWRONG; Not Defend Wrongs!
In mid-2016, I was commissioned by a publisher with authorization from the PMO to co-author "Mann Ki Baat", a book based on Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi's monthly Radio Talk. In the book I shared insights for nation building, to counter and complement PM Modi's thoughts and ideas.
After the book was successfully launched in 2017, my insights in the book were read by many citizens and also people in political and government circles. In late 2017, I was approached by a senior Political-Leader, who invited me for a meeting to discuss something important. I met the gentleman, who over lunch proposed to me "Jerry, we loved your insights in "Mann Ki Baat" and have also heard your public-talks and would like you to be our Party's official spokesperson for TV panels and live discussions.
I said to him "I am humbled! However, I doubt if I have what it takes to to be your Party's spokesperson". He enquired "Why? You are an eloquent orator and have well-defined, enunciated ideas and would be a perfect spokesperson.
I responded "Sir, as an Independent Citizen of India, I am non-partisan and do not believe in any party. Also sir most political spokespeople (including his), are always shouting-out, to defend wrongs done by their Party and do not own responsibility for wrongdoings. Though they think they are screaming the truth, it's only mindless cacophony. The public can see through their lies".
I added "I cannot do that! If spokespeople were allowed to speak their mind, own responsibility for wrongdoings and #RIGHTeveryWRONG, then the spokesperson and the party would have credibility and the public would value them for owning responsibility. I asked him "if I would be having freedom to own responsibility, speak my mind and #RightWrongs as his Party's spokesperson"
He said to me "That is not how it works in Politics and that they would coach me to be a "GOOD SPOKESPERSON". I replied "Sir, I choose to decline your spokesperson offer, because my choice is to be loyal to what is right for my nation and people, and not to any Party".
#IdeasForAction: Like Political spokespeople many business-brands also do not own responsibility for wrongdoings. They get their PR-machinery, Perception-Mangers, Lobbyists and Marketers to spin-yarns and peddle half-truths. Like Political-Parties, Businesses also need to learn that truth always triumphs and consumers who buy brands, can see through the lies and half-truths.
In 1982, Johnson&Johnson's Tylenol medication commanded 35 per cent of the US over-the-counter-analgesic-market - representing around 15% of their profits. Unfortunately, at that point some extortionist laced Tylenol packs with cyanide. Seven people died as a result, and a nationwide panic ensued.
J&J acted quickly, owned responsibility (even though cleared by the FBI) - recalling Tylenol from every outlet across USA. J&J also decided the product would not be re-established on the shelves until something had been done to provide better product protection. J&J who lost 30% of market share and over 125 million USD in recalling stock, won praise for its quick and appropriate action. Within few months of the disaster, Tylenol recovered 70% of market-share and by RightingWrongs and InspiringTrust, J&J succeeded in preserving the long term value of the brand.
Hope the J&J case serves as a great lesson for political-parties and businesses.
