When to Decline an Interview (Part 2)
When leaders find themselves in a controversy you immediately feel compelled to set the record straight. But there are times when strategic silence is more helpful than accepting every interview that is offered. We often wonder why people who experience unflattering personal or professional challenges insist on being hyper visible in the press. For example, we may question why someone experiencing bankruptcy would advise others about successful business practices. In those instances, they typically aren’t prepared to address the irony of their statements; Think about the public figure who angrily walks away from an interview when asked about the contradiction. This is why some people should decline an interview opportunity. Part of protecting your image is knowing when to speak and when to choose silence. Here are four times when you should decline an interview:
When You’re in Litigation or Facing Litigation
If you’re involved in litigation, think twice about granting an interview. That’s because what you say can be discoverable and included in the record of the lawsuit. Moreover, your opponents will be monitoring your comments like a hawk. There is no need to give them fodder that could later come back to harm you. Although we all think we’re super smart, sometimes it’s best to protect your current and future self by remaining quiet or speaking through your lawyer.
When You Can’t Give Your Full Attention
We understand the instinct to accept all media requests, especially if you are eager to respond to misinformation. However, it is imperative that you are able to fully focus on the interview prep and the interview itself. If you are unable to calmly and clearly share your message, you may want to deny a media interview request. For instance, if your emotions are unusually high and you and your team believe your delivery could undermine your message, you should consider declining the interview request.
When You Need Time to Reassess Previous Comments
If you haven’t had time to sit with comments that caused a stir, reflect on the statements and work to clarify or apologize, depending on the severity. Anything you’ve said or done may exist online perpetually, and when you’re granting an interview, anything can be on the table. An interviewer will likely want to revisit recent or controversial issues.
When You Do Not Have Time to Prepare
If you’ve been asked to interview but your schedule is jammed-packed and granting the interview would cause undue stress, consider declining the interview. A successful interview happens prior to sitting for the interview. It begins with prep and training. If you do not have time to prepare for a media interview, there’s no shame in declining it.
Final Thoughts
We’ve all heard the saying, “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Successful leaders do not consistently take this to heart. Too much negative publicity can create a steady drip of controversies that can be wearying, even to your supporters. If you don’t take anything away from this article, receive this: It is OK to decline an interview. It is hard to build trust and a good reputation, but it’s a lot easier to lose it.
As a reminder, you do not have to navigate these sorts of issues alone. At Spotlight PR, our goal is to help our clients build their platforms and protect their brands. Whether you are in a crisis or need help preparing a media strategy,
schedule a consultation today.
