5 Simple steps to take when you’re being defamed

Defamation refers to dialogue or announcements happening which affect you/ your brand and or organization. In other words, there’s some bad talk happening about you or your company and it can negatively impact business and your life.

What we’re offering here is a ‘blanket strategy’ with tips and tools you can use to deal with the problem yourself and most importantly, prevent it from getting worse. And if you feel that this strategy doesn’t fit your situation, you can message us directly under the pro bono consulting for a donation or book us in for session.

Here we go!

Step 1: Breathe

You will make things much worse if you panic. You will suffer three times over if you make a decision in a poor state of mind:

1. Suffer emotionally from the stress of the situation

2. Suffer the consequences of a poor decision

3. Suffer the opportunity cost of benefits from a good decision

So knowing this, why do people still make these decisions? And to the extent where this is the number one tip?

It’s hard. Whether the slander or libel is true or false, it is a stressful situation and the first thing any normal human being would do is respond to an accusation and say, ‘hey that’s not true’ or, ‘wait a minute, let me explain myself’. But in an arena (especially digital arena) where social filters are currently still removed (people don’t feel the consequences of saying nasty things online), then not only do you have no protection but there’s no stopping the backlash if people simply want to stay upset at you or your organization.

So step 1, breathe and get into a good state of mind. You’ll need it for the following steps.

Step 2: Keep calm, don’t engage. 

This is arguably one of the hardest steps. Keeping calm, and not engaging. This is a carry-on step from the one above. This is to remind you that social media channels and press are not your friends. At least not yet.

Unless you have a clear plan and script ready, don’t engage with any press or social media. If what is being said about you or your organization is not true, you run the risk of giving the topic legitimacy. If you want to clarify the truth, then do it on your terms and your platform, especially in a situation where there may be a third party looking for opportunities to further commit slander or libel.

Remember that press cycles are short

Press Cycles, in layman terms are short periods of time where there are hot topics and breaking news being circulated. Typically starting from news going viral or a social media post or blog hitting a tipping point and going viral. Press Cycles now are becoming shorter with breaking news essentially happening every day, so your thing will be old news within a couple of weeks if not a few days!

However,  if the information is on a small platform and you have decent control or a favourable relationship with the administrator then you can try and get it removed, but at risk of giving the whole thing legitimacy. Ideally, you still shouldn’t comment. Because if people are really coming after you, then everything you say and do will be used against you. You need to get a plan together first. Which leads to #3

Step 3: Reflect 

Did you do something wrong? Because if you did, fix it. We dub this a ‘transparency campaign’ where stakeholders are guided through the resolution process and faults are owned. And you do this with your full powers of empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of those affected - understand their suffering and create resolutions to address their anxieties and frustrations.

And if you didn’t then you still need to practice empathy and consider what your stakeholders, the other party and the general public are feeling now, with the intention of addressing uncertainties. There is nothing worse than uncertainty as it creates fear which leads to irrational behaviour.

This might seem counter-intuitive to empathize towards those who are hurting you, but it is crucial for preparation. Because A) they think it's justified or B) they have something to hide or C) they have nothing better to do and have taken on some self righteous mission. Either way they're ready for you, so you need to be aware of their intentions and the only way to do this is to put yourself in their shoes. 

Step 4: Write down your ideal scenarios and your first step

Start with the end in mind, it’s basically the same principle from Stephen Covey’s 7 habits of highly successful people. Consider what the ideal scenario would be where you could turn this around and write down what a very clear first step for you to take action. 

As strange as this sounds, people love a good story, especially where the villain goes through an arduous journey and turns into a good guy! Just remember that you actually need to do good to get there!

Some steps you will need to take:

1. Ensure everyone in your organization is clear on the script/dialogue

2. Write or hire someone to write a press release and statements with an FAQ so your entire organization is aligned and receives consistent information

3. Keep dialogue open, end your press release with a statement to encourage direct and open communication with you and your organization if there are still concerns over the issue
   

Step 5: Positive Content Cycles

You're gonna need some positive press. Whether you're in the wrong or not, you need a positive content all over your channels and press after a few press cycles have passed so:

1. The people who didn't know now think you're great or 

2. The people who do know might have forgotten/forgiven 

However, the people who still hate you will continue hating you anyway, so you shouldn't let their hatred imprison you. Remember Nelson Mandela's quote in this situation, "As I walked toward my freedom, I know that if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind I'd still be in prison" Did you know that Nelson Mandela invited his prison guards to his presidential inauguration and for dinner at his house? What a guy.

Summary of the 5 steps to facing defamation

They are short steps but very useful for just about every situation

1. Breathe, get in control of your emotions, there is no need to suffer more

2. Don't engage - remember that press cycles are short

3. Reflect - Use your powers of empathy to understand the intentions and frustrations of those involved so you can plan.

4. Take action towards resolution if you've made a mistake and make sure your house is in order

5. Do some social good and publish the positive content

If for some strange reason your situation doesn't fit with this blanket strategy then let us know, comment or DM us, we are happy to help!