Reviewer: Casey Fidler
In Good Self, Bad Self: How to Bounce Back from a Personal Crisis, author Judy Smith presents numerous real-life examples to explain and illustrate crisis communication strategies. Smith has twenty-five years of experience as a crisis manager. Her experiences as a crisis communication advisor later inspired the ABC television series “Scandal.” This book provides practical communication strategies for corporations and individuals. Throughout the book, Smith argues that “the root causes of most crises often lie in an imbalance in one of seven traits: Ego, Denial, Fear, Ambition, Accommodation, Patience and Indulgence” (6). Subsequently, there is a chapter dedicated to each of the seven traits, and Smith goes into detail about the best qualities and the worst qualities to exhibit in times of crisis. The book ends with an appendix about what constitutes a good apology.
The book begins by examining the role of ego in a crisis situation. Smith proposes that a healthy ego is essential to accomplish goals. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Smith points out that an unhealthy ego can lead to public missteps and a sense of entitlement. To illustrate this point, Smith described the situation in 2009 at the Video Music Awards when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s speech. Additionally, Smith especially stresses that an unhealthy ego tends to cause someone to overreact. In order to reign in an ego, Smith suggests taking an accurate read of emotions, waiting, and making a list of possible responses before reacting.
Smith then explains how to avoid a crisis by balancing the other six traits. In the chapter about denial, Smith suggests that “the key to a healthy denial is to wear blinders – not to be blind” (52). Smith explains that denial is sometimes necessary to cope with certain situations, but Smith is wary of denial when a crisis presents itself. Smith used Lindsay Lohan as a celebrity example of someone who denied an addiction.
The book ended with a discussion about the importance of apologies during crisis situations. Smith detailed the components of a good apology, and she explained that it is imperative to “be decisive, clear, credible and direct” in any crisis-related apology (246). Good Self, Bad Self: How to Bounce Back from a Personal Crisis presents valuable examples to explain the initial steps necessary for an organization or individual dealing with a crisis. For this reason, I would highly recommend the book for crisis communication courses.
Casey Fidler
In Good Self, Bad Self: How to Bounce Back from a Personal Crisis, author Judy Smith presents numerous real-life examples to explain and illustrate crisis communication strategies. Smith has twenty-five years of experience as a crisis manager. Her experiences as a crisis communication advisor later inspired the ABC television series “Scandal.” This book provides practical communication strategies for corporations and individuals. Throughout the book, Smith argues that “the root causes of most crises often lie in an imbalance in one of seven traits: Ego, Denial, Fear, Ambition, Accommodation, Patience and Indulgence” (6). Subsequently, there is a chapter dedicated to each of the seven traits, and Smith goes into detail about the best qualities and the worst qualities to exhibit in times of crisis. The book ends with an appendix about what constitutes a good apology.
The book begins by examining the role of ego in a crisis situation. Smith proposes that a healthy ego is essential to accomplish goals. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Smith points out that an unhealthy ego can lead to public missteps and a sense of entitlement. To illustrate this point, Smith described the situation in 2009 at the Video Music Awards when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s speech. Additionally, Smith especially stresses that an unhealthy ego tends to cause someone to overreact. In order to reign in an ego, Smith suggests taking an accurate read of emotions, waiting, and making a list of possible responses before reacting.
Smith then explains how to avoid a crisis by balancing the other six traits. In the chapter about denial, Smith suggests that “the key to a healthy denial is to wear blinders – not to be blind” (52). Smith explains that denial is sometimes necessary to cope with certain situations, but Smith is wary of denial when a crisis presents itself. Smith used Lindsay Lohan as a celebrity example of someone who denied an addiction.
The book ended with a discussion about the importance of apologies during crisis situations. Smith detailed the components of a good apology, and she explained that it is imperative to “be decisive, clear, credible and direct” in any crisis-related apology (246). Good Self, Bad Self: How to Bounce Back from a Personal Crisis presents valuable examples to explain the initial steps necessary for an organization or individual dealing with a crisis. For this reason, I would highly recommend the book for crisis communication courses.
Casey Fidler