| p>Do you have an accurate picture of the | | | | Enough about Don Imus-perhaps it's time to apply |
| credibility that others assign to you? If not, you | | | | his very public lesson to ourselves. It's easy to |
| are vulnerable to receive a shock. It happened to | | | | make an Imus-like credibility mistake: to judge |
| Don Imus-it could happen to you! | | | | ourselves by our good moments and good |
| A key ingredient in perceived credibility is a | | | | intentions while diluting the importance of our |
| person's record. In defending himself, Imus insists | | | | less-than-perfect moments. |
| that he is a good person with a good history. He | | | | To get an accurate picture of the credibility that |
| wants people to know that he has raised millions | | | | others assign to you, answer the following |
| for charity, that he and his wife run a ranch for | | | | questions: |
| kids with cancer and blood diseases, that he has | | | | What's your track record on words that build |
| used his influence to raise awareness for autism | | | | others up rather than tear them down-especially |
| and other causes. Imus wants to be judged by | | | | when those others are not in the room? |
| the whole of his life, especially the good that he | | | | What's your track record of delivering what you |
| has done. | | | | promise when you promise it? |
| Unfortunately, Imus's record has two sides. While | | | | How often do genuinely listen before pushing for |
| carrying on his benevolent work, Imus | | | | your own point of view? |
| consistently used his show to make harsh and | | | | To what extent are you conscientious about |
| ugly comments about others. Imus has a long and | | | | giving credit to others for their contributions and |
| consistent record of disparaging remarks about | | | | ideas? |
| individuals and groups. Some of the remarks can | | | | Would your colleagues say you are concerned |
| be attributed to comedy; others cannot. | | | | about their agendas as well as your own? |
| If Imus wants to be judged by his whole life, then | | | | As you answer the questions, remember your |
| he has to own up to both sides, not just the side | | | | good days and your bad days. Others will judge |
| that makes him look good. | | | | your life as a whole. Make sure you do as well. |