What interests me most is that it really all comes down to character.

It's easier to maintain an image behind PR firms, communication strategies and corporate policies. But when people begin posting in the moment in channels where they may feel more comfortable, true character begins to shine through.

Yes, we all will continue to make mistakes but if we focus more on our character & less on the channel [or how to respond/not respond in a particular channel] the likelihood of this stuff happening may decrease.

I see so many individuals and organizations that want to "fix" a reputation without going the distance to fix the behavior/thoughts/attitudes that's causing the reputation in the first place... If we can't get this right in the ministry world, how are we to expect others to?

[done with my Friday rant :) ]

Your daughter is so articulate. What a great post! I can only imagine how proud you must be of her.

Scott, I think this is the best review on the book I've seen yet.

Ugh. CONVICTING! I don't want to vote for reasons 1-5. With #6 & 7 being I don't trust any of them & they all seem focused on how horrible the others are vs what THEY can actually do. So I'm left feeling a bit uninformed.

But the guilt is upon me. So I've edged much closer to actually going.

Thanks, Tim.

No.. really. THANKS. ;)

Great post, Tim. Communication efforts should be more about sharing stories of the people in AND outside the church, revealing the true heart of the church and clearing pathways for people to get involved.

It frightens me to wonder if this list has been created in response to what you've experienced at your local gym....

[and Brentwood seemed like such a nice place ;) ]

Wow. That is amazing. I think it would be harder to "doctor" something like this, but love your point. Because of Roger's reputation, it's believable. I desperately wish I was good at tennis [believe me, I tried. Best not to go there] If by some miracle I actually DID do that, no one would believe me because everyone knows my reputation for excellence is *definitely* not in tennis :)

Great post, Maurilio. Just a few quick additional thoughts:

Implementation is more important than the idea. -- The recommendations may sound fantastic but if they're not realistic enough to implement, it's wasting everyone's time. [What might sound great to senior leadership may not be received well by the rest of the troops... be sure to understand where they're coming from as well]

Don't speak in consultant-ese. It annoys everyone.

The goal is to work yourself out of a job. -- Teaching them to fish rather than rely solely on you for everything is a good thing. It strengthens their organization and your reputation.

And of course, under promise but over-deliver. Be sure everyone knows what to expect and than do your darnedest to exceed those expectations. [This includes everything from budgets, how the project is run and what is delivered at the end of the day]

These are excellent questions, Daniel. Thanks so much for including Seth in your 5 Questions series roster.

Fantastic stuff!

Ugh.. Team Edward? Jenni. Everyone knows Jacob has all the same qualities you listed, sans the obsessive control-factor of Edward.

I dunno... we might need to discuss this offline. I fear our friendship may be at stake ;) ;)