The world is full of aphorisms. Some are actually useful.
Consider how accurately they describe the role of consultants who try to steer their clients down paths that are more beneficial, more efficient, and more likely to succeed.
At least two aphorisms (and probably many more) apply.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” (That’s the positive perspective and assumes lessons will be learned.)
Alternatively, “You can lead a horse to water. But you can’t make him drink.” (This is the negative version and reflects frustration when advice is ignored.)
This is the quandary that faces everyone who provides specialized services.
Advice must be given and accepted before solutions can be successfully implemented.
It’s true for lawyers, accountants, investment advisers, professional coaches. Even for those who provide strategic PR counsel and reputation management.
More often than not, clients are happy to accept advice. It lets them sleep better at night.
The reasons are simple. The issue is outside their comfort zone. They realize it could have serious consequences. They know they can’t handle it themselves. They want it fixed quickly and correctly, so they’re predisposed to rely on those who deal with such matters every day.
These clients learn. They’re unlikely to make the same mistake again. And if make a different one, they’ll come back to you because you’ve earned their trust and become part of their inner circle.
Then there are those who insist the “expert” advice misses the target. We’ve all had some of them.
Case in point: A tech company was being beaten up on social media and in newspapers over allegations of sexual harassment by some employees. We carefully crafted a strategy to calm the storm.
The client’s response: “But this is our culture, and we really don’t want to change. Can’t you just convince people that what we do is OK?”
Which left us scratching our heads. Why did they seek our help in the first place?
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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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