I once did media training for television in Sydney, with an experienced journalist grilling me in front of a camera. It was a humbling experience.
What I learnt, is to never underestimate a top-notch journalist doing their day job. Or for that matter anyone who has mastered their craft.
It is like putting a swimmer into the ring with a boxing champion – brief and painful.
Perhaps if you are equally experienced at being interviewed (like a lot of politicians) you can hold your own.
It makes me think about how business leaders can get a shock when they front a parliamentary committee. They forget that experienced politicians excel in the rough and tumble of parliamentary debate.
Politicians do this stuff every day.
And it’s fundamentally different to performing in the board room or at a management meeting. The cameras and microphones are live with every utterance immediately posted online, while political agendas and undercurrents are being played out.
It can unravel at warp speed.
We saw it recently when the Qantas CEO fronted a senate inquiry in combative form. The unfolding debacle was like a death spiral, culminating in the CEO departing Qantas a week later and serious reputational damage to the national carriers’ brand.
The adage that a week is a long time in politics also applies for businesses that become engaged in the political arena. It can deliver a swift, concussive blow to reputations.
It is more common today for business leaders to be called before parliamentarians to answer questions. It is a trend and not a one-off event.
Government intervention in markets and regulatory arrangements is increasing. It means that businesses and their associations must gear up their strategies, tactics, and skills in working with and influencing governments.
It is one reason why businesses invest in business associations to represent their interests and defend the good reputation of industries.
The skills and expertise to run an effective national body are not the same as those required to run a successful business. And vice versa.
Creative conflict between associations and their members is normal when innovating and setting priorities. However, when operating in the public advocacy arena, members and association management work like a tag team.
They play to each other’s strengths towards common goals.
How the game works today is not the same as it was a decade ago. It’s better to be organised and be grilled by an expert who is on your side before you enter the ring.
Are you getting the advice you need for your organisation to succeed?
Until next week.