The document provides helpful hints for public relations and marketing professionals on how to protect themselves from unwanted scrutiny when mistakes occur. It suggests developing an organized system for storing records of important decisions made through non-written mediums like conversations, operating in groups to prevent disputes over who said what, using calendars and planners to stay on top of tasks and meet deadlines, addressing problems quickly before they escalate, knowing your boss's work ethic and behavior in case issues arise, having solid rationales for decisions and alternate explanations, and being diligent and conscientious in life and at work.

1. Protect Yourself!
Helpful hints for public relations
and marketing professionals
By Shannon R. Mouton

2. Protect yourself from unwanted
scrutiny when mishaps occur.

3. If an important decision was made in a non-
recordable medium, such as a face-to-face
conversation, follow-up to confirm the decision
with a recordable medium, like email.
Hint: Develop an organized system of storing these
records and be able to retrieve them easily.
Keep a Record...ALWAYS1

4. Operating in a group provides witnesses,
which prevents “he said, she said” situations.
Hint: Groups can reduce the possibility of a mistake as
there are more people holding you accountable.
Have Witnesses2

5. Utilize your mailbox calendar (and the reminder
function) or a planner to stay on top of your tasks.
Hint: Take copious notes to refresh your memory
and to stay on top of assigned last-minute tasks.
Set and Keep Deadlines3

6. Nip Problems in the Bud
Tackle a problem quickly to avoid it turning into
something bigger.
Hint: Own up to a mistake and work to
resolve it as soon as possible.
4

7. Pay attention to their work ethic and behavior
as it can reflect how they will react if their
backs are ever against the wall.
Hint: Be prepared and respond appropriately.
Know Your Boss5

8. Always have solid rationale for
the important decisions you make.
Hint: Have an alternate explanation if your
original defense falls on deaf ears.
Explain Yourself6

9. Be diligent in life and in the office.
Hint: If people know you are serious
about what you do and are good at it,
they will be less likely to doubt your abilities.
Be Conscientious…ALWAYS7

10. To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com
McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to
social justice that has prevailed for nearly 25 years. From the beginning,
McKinney has passionately and skillfully practiced public relations with a
conscience for local, national and international organizations.
@mckpr
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