I’m having an ethical dilemma. I’m going to share it with you but I’m going to keep all companies and names anonymous. Last week I contacted a high-profile media presenter from Perth in regards to securing some sponsorship for our online charity auction. He was very willing to help out and said that he would definitely be able to donate some items for our charity that (in my opinion) was sure to raise a couple of thousand dollars for the Relay for Life. Great.
This person contacted me via text to ask me if we could meet up for coffee to chat about The Pink Book Club and the kind of donations we are seeking. I was delighted that someone who is so busy would be so willing to help out a charity organisation, and of course I set a date and time to meet him for coffee.
Later in the week the same person began texting my mobile after work hours to ‘see what I was doing’, and tell me about his day… I texted back to remain polite but always tried to bring the conversation back to the charity auction and our meeting that was to occur on Monday of the next week.
On the fourth night in a row that this person had texted me past 8:00pm, I realised that this person was behaving inappropriately and unprofessionally. I was kicking myself that I didn’t realise earlier. I thought I was doing the right thing in replying to this person who was doing our charity a big favour and taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and have a meeting with me about sponsorship, but then I realised he was doing it for the wrong reasons. The last text I received from him said nothing but “Tell your man I don’t bite…” Ughhhh… I’m feeling so stupid that I thought this person was just genuinely trying to help out our charity.
Looking back, I should have cottoned on that something was dodgy from the beginning, but I am all too trusting of everyone that I meet, and assume that everyone has the best intentions. Lesson learned. The problem is, in an industry as small as public relations, you can’t afford to burn your bridges with people. I’m not really sure how to handle this situation in a way that is professional and avoids conflict other than ignoring him altogether.
I am very disappointed that I won’t be securing any big-ticket items from this person; however, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that I went along with his behaviour for the sake of securing a donation.
Oh well, I guess hindsight is the only exact science there is, as they say.
-Carmen.
2 comments:
That is quite a difficult situation to be in. I personally do would not know how to react. But thumbs up for realising what was happening and not reacting inappropriately. The PR industry is small, I agree and it is quite sad that these things happen. Goodluck with the charity, hope it manages to get its funds!
Amira
Hi Carmen,
What a terrible dilemma to be in! I believe the best thing you can do is not reply to this person and seek advice from a mentor or tutor. Yes it would mean a great deal for your charity to have these items but that shouldn't mean you should sacrifice your integrity. It is a small industry and you should certainly be tactful in your decision. Well done in recognizing the situation and acting before things got too out of hand! Good luck with everything and be brave!
Jade
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