February 16, 2009
Q. What is it with these D.C. types? They seem to think the rules that the rest of us follow don’t apply to them, Tom Daschle in particular. His non-payment of taxes was particularly odious. It’s really a shame he ended a distinguished career on such a low note. Any comment?
A: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Tell the truth right away, express your regrets sincerely and explain how you will never make the same mistake again. We’ve just described good damage control. Better yet, prevent the problem in the first place by getting back to basics. If you are an elected official or hold some position of public trust, hold yourself accountable for doing what’s right in your personal and professional life. The media’s microscope is mighty and it’s on 24/7. The truth will come out, so you best have your house in order.
- Pay all your taxes on time. Don’t try to evade taxes with questionable deductions or not reporting income. The money you “save” with these tactics is hardly worth the cost to your reputation. Daschle paid a high price for the $146,000 in back taxes he owed. Leona Helmsley famously said, “Only little people pay taxes.” Well, she came face to face with a lot of “little people” when she served two years in jail for tax fraud.
- Vote in every local, state and federal election, including local school board and primaries. Non-voting has come back to haunt people seeking elective office. Good citizens take their responsibility seriously and vote every time.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- If you have household help or a nanny, make sure you are paying the appropriate wages and all necessary taxes. If they are not U.S. citizens, check their immigration status and papers to make sure everything is in order.
- Treat everyone with respect and dignity, both those above you and below you. Grace Murray Hopper, a retired U.S. Navy Admiral, said it well. “Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. Respect for one’s superiors; care for one’s crew.”
In this tough economy we are all getting back to basics, which includes taking responsibility for our actions. Manage your life well and you will build a reputation of which you can be proud.
Need advice? Send your situations to Dome.
Paula Blanchard Stone and Patty McCarthy are partners in McCarthyBlanchard, an executive training firm specializing in key message development, presentation skills training, media interview training and executive presence. Copyright © 2008 McCarthy Blanchard. | Website
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