PRSSA Kent Conversations

I was catching up on a few of my blogs and I came across some advice — never complain and never explain. While the phrase is credited to British prime minister Bejamin Disraeli, I believe this phrase can be valuable a lot to PR people.  

Never complain — the phrase ranks up there with never, say never — say it al you want. but the reality is it will not leave your vocabulary. While I will be the first to admit I complain, I have been working on it to reveal a sense of professionalism. But I got to thinking, and decided this would be a great motto. Rarely do you ever see mentors, leaders, bosses complain — the reason? It shows a great deal of professionalism to keep it in. When someone complains no one wants to be around her. Who wants to be Debby Downer’s friend? Cathy Complainer! I can tell you right now, that’s no place for you. Think about the last time you heard someone complaining, especially if it was someone you looked up to. It really makes think less of the person.

Another aspect of the never complain aspect is don’t burn any bridges. Always remain professional when speaking about your superiors. If you stay close to all your contacts — both peers and professionals — you’ll have all those networks literally at your disposal.

Never explain — this part of the phrase will be heavily disputed, especially in Campaigns class because that’s all I do is explain. But I can see where this fits in, show don’t tell. We are communicators and we must be able to explain, but I don’t feel it’s something you should do all the time. If you show someone what you mean with facts, figures, research, visuals then the person questioning or not understanding what you’re talking about will see what you mean — literally.

Next time you get the urge to let out your complaints about why you need to explain something, take this advice and try to use it!