When to Decline an Interview
Just because you receive a media or podcast interview request doesn’t mean you must accept it. No is always an option. In fact, in some instances, “no” might be the best option. But when “should” you decline a media interview request? Here are five scenarios when you probably want to decline an interview.
When you are not the best messenger. For every issue we face, there are people organizing around that specific issue. There are people with deep expertise in the issues that shape our lives. When you receive a media interview request, ask yourself if you’re the best messenger or spokesperson. Ask yourself if there is someone else – another organization or leader – who might be best positioned to speak on the issue.
When you are actively navigating a crisis. When you are actively navigating a crisis, it is fair to take a moment to focus on the matter at hand. If you need to give a statement regarding the crisis, make your statement and then consider pulling back. But if the interview request has nothing to do with the crisis, you are not obliged to grant it. For instance, if you receive a request to deliver an interview on what makes a successful marriage, it helps if you yourself are not in the throes of a divorce. If you receive a request to talk about a leader who has been accused of sexual harassment, it helps if you have not been accused of the very thing you’re asked to discuss.
When the interview will not advance your mission or work. I’ve noticed that savvy celebrities grant interviews when they are promoting something of importance. They don’t accept every interview request because exposure on the wrong thing can undermine the main thing. Besides, mystique is currency too. When you receive a request, carefully consider whether the interview will advance your work or mission. If it won’t ask yourself if granting the interview will be time well-spent.
When there are other people closer to the work than yourself. One things that rankles people is when leaders speak on things when they are not the authority or when they have not worked in the area for which they’re speaking. If there are other people closer to the work, consider punting the interview opportunity.
When the host is opposed to you and everything you stand for. If you will not have an opportunity to make your point, consider declining the interview. If you’ll be speaking with someone who opposes you and everything you stand for, you may have a contentious interview. Not everyone can tolerate or thrive in such an environment. Think carefully about whether such an environment is worth the hassle.
In closing, we do ourselves and our brands no favors by weighing when silence is the viable option. It’s imperative that we view each interview selectively and weigh in only when it makes sense. If you want support thinking through which interview requests to accept and how to bolster your brand, book a consultation today.