’Tis the season for reflecting on what you’ve accomplished over the year — good as well as bad.
While many adults are pondering potential new year’s resolutions, kids are writing letters to Santa.
In this clever note to Santa, the author is seeking to frame their story in hopes of being taken off the Naughty List.
Which leads us to the age-old question we all confront from time to time: How do you change someone’s opinion?
Let’s take a page from this letter to Santa. (Yes, pun intended.)
When considering how to influence a negative opinion, here are some things to consider:
What’s your reputation now? If it’s solidly positive and what happened is seen as uncharacteristic, it’s easier to explain it as a fluke. If you’re a repeat offender, people will wonder, “Why should I believe you now? What’s changed?”
What do you hope to change the opinion to? Is that a realistic goal? This will require you to take a deep and unvarnished look inside yourself. It also will require you to manage your expectations. We don’t live in an ideal world, so what you wish may not be possible. If so, what are the alternatives?
Is there anyone who’d like to see you fail in achieving your goal? If so, how can you proactively head off their objections and deflect their influence?
Do you have any allies? You don’t have to go it alone.
You can reach Roger Gillott and Eden Gillott directly at 310-396-8696.
Check out A Board Member’s Guide to Crisis PR and A Lawyer’s Guide to Crisis PR (Second Edition) on Amazon.
Gillott Communications is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm that specializes in high-stakes Crisis & Reputation Management with more than 50 years of expertise in strategic communications, corporate public relations, and working with the media.
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