DLE MEETUP TACKLES REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

It only takes a few seconds to implode your personal reputation. Guided by a case study presented by DLE member and program co-moderator Janet Forest, participants at the Nov. 13 in-person DLE Meetup explored the topic of reputation management.

Janet researched a widely publicized breakfast gone bust with celebrity James Corden, host of “The Late Late Show,” and presented an overview of the episode to Meetup participants with three probing questions that prompted a lively group discussion:

• What did you think about the James Corden incident?
• Did he deserve forgiveness?
• When it comes to incidents like this, who do we forgive and who do we not forgive?

The group discussion gave way to small group breakouts, moderated by Janet and DLE volunteer members Josh Brilliant and Jacob Heath, that promoted exchanges of personal experiences with incidents when you’ve had to manage your professional reputation and the role of social media in reputation management.

“It was helpful to see how many different perspectives there can be regarding the same situation,” noted one participant.

Another affirmed the value of having in-person discussions on gritty topics noting, “I am more likely to participate when I’m not focused on muting or unmuting or watching my face on the webcam. Video meetings can be a big distraction for me.” Added another DLE member, “We are human and nothing beats face-to-face interaction and connection.”

Left to right, front: Josh Brilliant, Mystie Ford, Mabeline Burgos, Cameron Hadley; Left to right, back: Jay Ogle, Lyndsey Wadsworth

Left to right: Lauren Beckett, Jacob Heath, Cameron Hadley, Mabeline Burgos, Josh Brilliant, Jay Ogle, Lyndsey Wadsworth

Left to right: Janet Forest, Tyler Shedd, Allison Schmitt