I use the term “optics” to describe when we don’t do something because of the way it looks. Not whether or not there’s a rule we’re in violation of. It goes above and beyond the written rules and is a higher standard.

There will never be a rule for everything. And situations change. But the ability to exercise good “optics” awareness is key in a career.

Good optics awareness requires you to ask yourself constantly, “Could this be construed negatively?” No one ever intentionally wants an optics problem. It’s almost always an unintended consequence.

It can be as big as auto makers flying on corporate jets while asking for a billion dollar bailout. It can be as small as a team going out for drinks three times a week, a manager appearing to favor one person over another, having a big party when the company just let people go.  No rules were technically broken…but it probably shouldn’t have happened.

Optics matter. If you’re not sure, ask someone you trust. It’s a 30 second conversation that can save you a lot of damage control cleanup.