My husband and I recently adopted a puppy from the local humane society. When we got her home, she was a normal, happy, playful puppy. But within a few days, symptoms of kennel cough showed up.

So like a good pet parent, off to the vet I went.

I chose my dog’s vet based on the online ratings I saw on Google. They said this vet was the “best vet in town,” “caring,” “knowledgeable” and that people “wouldn’t trust their pups with anyone else.” And the vet’s website emphasizes his trustworthiness and that health is the office’s first priority.

However, my experience brought to mind that for people, as well as businesses, who we say we are and how we actually act can often be quite different.

After three visits in three days, I was completely disillusioned with the quality of service I received. No amount of four-star ratings on Google will change my opinion. My vet may think he is trustworthy, but I feel like he just wants my money.

At Compassion we describe ourselves as:

• authentic
• collaborative
• creative
• effective
• focused
• honest
• inclusive
• professional
• and respectful, to name just a few.

This is our personality. This is who we think we are.

Every decision we make is based on our “distinctives” – child focused, church based, Christ centered and committed to integrity. But are we really who we think we are?

Based on your interactions with us here, on Facebook and Twitter, and via email and phone calls, how would you describe us?

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By consciously withholding something or avoiding a subject because I fear a reaction – anger, rejection, judgment, etc., I’m not being authentic. I’m being manipulative.

Choosing what to share and what not to share is lying by omission, and it’s not being transparent or authentic.

What does this have to do with children in poverty and Compassion International?

• You’re reading Compassion’s blog about child poverty.
• A blog is media — social media.
• Media is manipulative.
• We want to get more children sponsored. More! More! More!
• The blog helps us do that.
• We’re afraid to say anything that will muck that up.

I’ve had conversations with employees who have said that “the blog is just a big commercial for Compassion.” And “the blog is too rah-rah, like it’s written by a bunch of cheerleaders.” Or GASP! Marketers.

I agree that our first two months have been filled with lots of feel good posts, and I know we can’t be everything to everyone, and I don’t think we have a problem yet; however, if you perceive the blog to be a one-dimensional commercial about how great Compassion is, as opposed to an authentic and sincere communication with you and for you, rather than at you and for us, then I’m wrong and we have a PROBLEM.

Am I wrong?

And what’s your perspective, meaning how involved with Compassion are you? Are you drinking the same Kool-Aid as us employees? Are you Super Advocate or Super Sponsor … or are you just passing through?

How do we share anything positive with you without sounding like a bunch of cheerleaders?

Am I over-thinking this stuff?

If you’ve never commented before, please consider doing so now. You non-commenters have opinions too. I know you do.

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