How Not to Get Your Investigation Taken Seriously: Part 3 » |
How Not to Get Your Investigation Taken Seriously: Part 4
In dealing with a need for an investigation of your organization, you have been careful with public comments relating to your motivation and your expectation as to the outcome. You have carefully chosen a good investigator. So far, so good. There is one other pitfall to mention here, and it relates back to the issue of public statements.
#4: Don't over-emphasize the openness and completeness of your investigation.
Do not waste your time or squander any goodwill you might otherwise have by repeatedly stating how open and how effective your investigation will be. Talk is cheap. Recall the words of Proverbs:
- "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: But a faithful man who can find?" (Prov. 20:6)
- "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips." (Prov. 27:2)
Yes, it is worth publicly stating that you have charged the investigator to follow the evidence where it leads and that nothing is off limits—so long as you have, in fact, given that instruction to the investigator and to everyone in your organization (both parts are important). Similarly, it can be worth the investigator publicly acknowledging that instruction (at such point that the investigator speaks publicly at all). But say it once, not repeatedly.
Remember that the events that led to the need for the investigation have already created questions. When you harp on your openness, you will tend to create more questions and feed skepticism. This may help your critics. It does not help you. You will be tempted to proclaim your own goodness, but resist the impulses. Minimize your statements, and let the investigator get the job done.
Deeds, not words.
Next: Wrap-up