Reputations are fragile things; they take so long to build and can be destroyed in a moment.
Such is the regard a good reputation carries that many businesses and organisations spend huge sums trying to improve or maintain the way the public sees them. Of course, no amount of moneycan completely safeguard you from the perils of public scrutiny and perception. It is possible to ride out a storm. In New Zealand, we respect a straight-shooter, someone who tells it like it is and doesn't shy away from the truth, no matter how uncomfortable. Confronting the issues and dealing with them are traits we admire.
So it was with a sense of surprise and approval that I first was briefed on the story about new Rangitikei College principal Karene Biggs. It was, it has to be said, unusual for a principal to be so forthright about an issue that could be seen to reflect poorly on her organisation.
Oh, that all principals were so open and honest in their communications, not just with media but the community as a whole. Sadly, when it comes to matters of performance and discipline, some would rather play smoke and mirrors to hide or distort the truth. Not Mrs Biggs. By confirming the use of drugs at school, she ran the risk the college's reputation could have been adversely affected. Rather the opposite is true. By speaking out on her hard line, Mrs Biggs has enhanced Rangitikei College's standing.
It is about identifying and acknowledging the issues - and they are society's issues, not the college's alone - and working proactively to find a remedy.
Alongside the suspensions, there is a real effort to change behaviours, with an emphasis on the cause and providing appropriate support and encouragement.
For that, Karene Biggs deserves credit. She is setting an example we all should follow and deserves congratulations and support for taking what I'm sure is not an easy position, especially given her willingness to do so publicly.
