Let me be emphatic.
I do not smoke crack cocaine.
Despite living in a world with security cameras at every corner and many friends with smart phones, I can guarantee there is no video of me smoking crack cocaine.
Therefore, I cannot comment on a video I have not seen and does not exist.
This is why you should believe me.
- I am an HR Professional. HR Professionals live in a world of high standards, where we watch, from time to time, our employees do super stupid things and pay the consequences. While we are imperfect, we run in fear of personal embarrassment. Knowing this, I would never do anything that would purposefully undermine public perception of the profession or of me.
- As an HR Professional, I have been trained in recognizing the signs of addiction. I think I would know if I had an addiction. Further, I have advocated for the purchase of key services for my employees to help them through crises. I have memorized the number for the EAP plan, and have great confidence that my call would be confidential. If I had a problem, my colleagues would have had a private intervention, I would have already sought help, and you would know nothing about it.
- There are no other signs in my behaviour that might raise questions. There are no pictures of me on Twitter in a drunken stupour or recordings of my voice making threatening voice mail messages. The worst you’re going to find are some periodic blogs with my name on them containing an unbridled level of sarcasm.
Do you believe me? I hope so, as I will not be responding to any further questions on the subject. Let’s move on.
As HR Professionals though, I would like you to take a moment and dissect the strategy that has been used by public figures lately to deal with damaging situations.
The strategy? Deny, deny, deny. Suggest the implausible. Turn the spotlight on the accusers, even sue them. Use a “that all depends upon what your definition of “is” is” approach when responding to queries. Deflect. Then, when the jig is up, act humble, shed tears, apologize to your mother and pretend like it is a “come to Jesus” moment. Ultimately you blame your weaknesses on the naivety of your inner child.
Honestly, how can we the public be so accepting? This whole thing cost a fortune. Would we ever let our employers go down this path in the face of something damaging, so possibly correctable if faced early and sincerely?
Seriously, think about how many situations in recent years have played out exactly like this. And here in Canada, this is just SO Un-Canadian!
Why? Well don’t forget that here, unlike in the U.S., drug addiction is a disability for which an employer is required to accommodate. We are the place where you truly are forgiven, where help is affordable and available–where second chances are possible.
We’re nice people here. We accept a lot. This never had to be a spectacle.
I Cannot Comment On A Video That Does Not Exist
Let me be emphatic.
I do not smoke crack cocaine.
Despite living in a world with security cameras at every corner and many friends with smart phones, I can guarantee there is no video of me smoking crack cocaine.
Therefore, I cannot comment on a video I have not seen and does not exist.
This is why you should believe me.
Do you believe me? I hope so, as I will not be responding to any further questions on the subject. Let’s move on.
As HR Professionals though, I would like you to take a moment and dissect the strategy that has been used by public figures lately to deal with damaging situations.
The strategy? Deny, deny, deny. Suggest the implausible. Turn the spotlight on the accusers, even sue them. Use a “that all depends upon what your definition of “is” is” approach when responding to queries. Deflect. Then, when the jig is up, act humble, shed tears, apologize to your mother and pretend like it is a “come to Jesus” moment. Ultimately you blame your weaknesses on the naivety of your inner child.
Honestly, how can we the public be so accepting? This whole thing cost a fortune. Would we ever let our employers go down this path in the face of something damaging, so possibly correctable if faced early and sincerely?
Seriously, think about how many situations in recent years have played out exactly like this. And here in Canada, this is just SO Un-Canadian!
Why? Well don’t forget that here, unlike in the U.S., drug addiction is a disability for which an employer is required to accommodate. We are the place where you truly are forgiven, where help is affordable and available–where second chances are possible.
We’re nice people here. We accept a lot. This never had to be a spectacle.
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