Get ready to have a song stuck in your head and all for good reason.

“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch! You really are a heel.”

The furry, pot-bellied green ‘fella had a reputation around Whoville and there’s no denying – it wasn’t a good one.

That’s bound to happen when you are mean to your neighbors and steal from homes on Christmas Eve. No question about it, there’s a lesson to be learned from that.

Reputation and image are everything for companies and organizations.

Difficult things can happen, bad apples can surface and unexpected matters can arise. While you can’t always prevent it, you can control how you handle it.

You’ll recall, The Grinch, ultimately, made a public apology, returned the stolen items, took part in the town’s Christmas celebration and won over the hearts of Whoville.

Consider that a PR lesson from the man himself.

Reputation management is crucial. Open communication during tough times builds trust and respect with your key stakeholders and the general public.

Have a crisis management plan in place. It should address the communications response. Based on the matter at hand, it will guide your company’s approach. Depending on the situation, it could touch on media relations, social media, website, email communications and more.

The Grinch didn’t cover up his misdoings. He owned his mistakes and made up for them.

Who knew we could learn so much from a character who was born with a heart “two sizes too small?”

“Mr. Grinnnnnch!”