November 3, 2010

Lessons learned from Tribune fiasco: First let me point out I ONLY KNOW what I've read, so I will speak in generalities:

• Even if it is not the case, if you come close enough to, or there is even a perception of, sexual discrimination, it's bad news. You may survive a lawsuit, but the perception of you as a manager and your company by employees, the community and your clients can be irrevocable
• Same deal with hostile work environment.
• Take a lesson in P.R. Following a not-so-complimentary New York Times article, there was NO reverse spin or a rebuttal of any sort. At least not that I saw. While none of us have the money to hire a P.R. firm, you should have a friend there just in case something happens at your company where you need help when the press comes a-knockin'.
• If you must terminate an employee involved in anything like that above and there is some sort of monetary exit package, make sure you get a release that will disallow them from speaking externally about the matter in any way. The "open letter" didn't do anything but attempt to clear the author's name and in my opinion, didn't work.

Bad things do happen. The more prepared you are to manage the impact on you and your business the better.