You are the weakest link!

Today I received a great video clip of an old crusty anchor and an old crusty reporter having it out live on TV. Well, they didn't really "have it out." But, their verbal exchange was shocking and at the same time, funny. You can watch it below.

Part of having a job like being a reporter, or even being in PR/marketing, is that there are so many people who are keeping an eye on you at all times. It's not like being in sales, when you're being watched by the company you work for and the company you are selling to. As a reporter, you are watched by everyone who has that TV on and that means you are subject the criticism of hundreds, even thousands of people. In PR/marketing, I am watched by the entire company (not just my bosses) as well as the community, and the reporters, who then take what I say and disseminate it back to the community. This can be stressful, especially now that I'm at a college where I have to be extra careful about word choice and grammar. (There are English instructors reading what I write!)

This past week has been very stressful because I've written a lot that has been sent out to each and every one of the 800+ people who work on campus plus all our media reporters as well as all the readers of our web site. I've put careful thought and consideration and worked with many many people on these press releases, newsletters and web announcements. But, I'm still a bundle of nerves that there are people out there criticizing the work or thinking they could do it better. I guess it's just part of human nature to be sensitive about your work.

I have to say, though, that after this week I've received a lot of positive feedback from collegues, which has made me feel so lucky to work where I do. At the Sheriff's Office, my first internal newsletter was red inked and hung on the walls of the Sheriff's substation with some not-so-nice comments. My first live shot at KRCR was critized by other reporters, who felt that stripping me of whatever small dignity I had left after going live would make me stronger (and, in the long run, it did, but it also made me like them less). Long story short, even people with the thickest skin need a pat on the back now and then, especially the ones who you don't think need it!


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