Former George W. Bush press secretary Scott McClellan’s book has received a great deal of attention and, according to media reports, is selling quite well.  The Bush White House, surprised by the revelations and allegations, claims McClellan, a former employee, is disgruntled.  

Often the credibility of ex-employees becomes an employer’s defense, as it evokes debate regarding motives and, therefore, believability.  As a leader who prides himself on maintaining staff loyalty, President Bush did not immediately attack McClellan but his administration is now in assault mode, demonstrating a more fear-based and defensive approach.  In light of these circumstances and since communications can make or break a party’s chances for success, there are a few internal and external communications lessons to consider in this presidential election year.

The first is don’t lie to your people.  As the American people learned, both Karl Rove and Lewis “Scooter” Libby lied to McClellan, media and the public -- both suffering the consequences, one being publicly scrutinized and the other convicted.  Deceit and misinformation, whether deployed internally or in external communications, will come back to haunt you.  

Second, when a high-profile staffer leaves, be prepared.  Be prepared for potential crises, be prepared for the unexpected, and be prepared for the truth to prevail.  

Finally, learn from your mistakes and be contrite.  Lying to motivate people - then denying it to limit fallout - simply does not work.  Deny, deny, deny is a surefire way to diminish trust and ensure a tarnished legacy.  

Start hiding things and get caught.  Bob Dylan once wrote “Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow...that it passes through,” which illustrates this truism.