It seems that these days just about anyone who is in the public eye is constantly being watched closely. The public and the cameras are watching not only what we do but what we may even whisper. Case in point is what happen a few days ago as U.S. VP Joe Biden recently dropped the “f-bomb” in a comment… not realizing that his microphone was still on.
The mainstream media is positioning it as a blooper similar to imprudent stuff he’s said in official speeches.
Then we can recall the Shaun White episode at the winter Olympics. You may recall what happened when Shaun’s coach dropped the S-bomb. The media was quick to pick up what was said between these two close friends and adult men.
In each of these incidents the media and the public have made a lot out of these remarks. However, I think it was just an example of the way grownups talk in the real world.
Having said that, what about the business environment and the conduct that is expected of business executives, leaders, and owners? It is safe to assume that when we are in the public eye anything we say or even whisper will be closely scrutinized.
There is a sense of distrust and suspicion of anyone that is in featured in the media. Perhaps this is due to a lack of trust that Americans have for the business world. There are those that blame much of the economic woes on the greed of business leaders and so what is said is examined closely. So when it comes to the use of profanity it has more of an impact on those that hear of it than it would have a few years back.
The media and some in the public expect a certain level of decorum of those in the public eye and see the use of profanity as less than perfect. After all, our leaders are suppose to be perfect in every way and not conduct themselves as mere humans.