Ed Staite

Communicator of the Week

Businesses and individuals are today expected to practice what they preach. It is no longer good enough for an annual donation to charity, FTSE 100 businesses are expected to have comprehensive corporate social responsibility programmes which are not merely statements of intent but guidelines for best practice. If the media or shareholders notice a gap between rhetoric and the reality then they will be quick to hold the transgressor to account.

The reputation of some sports has suffered through similar lack of candour, transparency and willingness to practice what is preached. Most notably professional cycling. This is why I shouted with joy when self confessed former drugs cheat, David Millar won a stage of this year’s Tour de France. Many will ask why we should applaud one of many cyclists who have cheated and sullied the reputation of their sport?

Millar’s approach since being arrested by French police and admitting to doping in 2004 has been to use his position to campaign for clean cycling as well as proving it is possible to win clean. Unlike others who have made comebacks after suspensions for doping offences, Millar has never shied away from his past and instead uses it as a constant reminder of what cycling used to be like. Friday was no different with Millar stating at the finish “I’m an ex-doper and I'm clean now, and I want to show everyone that it's possible to win clean on the Tour”.

His victory came exactly 45 years after Tom Simpson, the first Briton to wear the Tour’s yellow jersey, died on the slopes of Mont Ventoux after using a lethal mix of amphetamines and alcohol to aid performance. Since Millar’s comeback he has been at the vanguard of a new generation of cyclists and teams who are transparent in their activities and promote a zero-tolerance approach to doping. Millar has been relentless in his approach since his comeback in 2006, not just saying he is anti-doping but using every possible way to communicate this. He himself no longer uses any form of injections, is an adviser to various sports and anti-doping bodies globally, has written a book about his experiences, is also co-owner and captain of one of teams driving the new transparently clean approach in cycling.

As he recovered after winning the longest stage in possibly the hardest sporting event of all he said, “I've won today as a clean rider, after making the same mistake that Tom [Simpson] made. I've shown where cycling has come in the last 45 years – even the last five years”. Good communicators use every opportunity to get their message across, David Millar did this through words and deeds this week which makes him my Communicator of the Week.

*This post was first published on the Dale & Co. megablog.

US debt crisis a danger for Republicans

Immediately after the US mid-term elections I posted here why I thought the Republican Party would make it very likely President Obama would win a second term. Now to the present - Obama is not popular, his ratings continue to slide with some commentators in the Washington beltway suggesting a liberal candidate may challenge him for the Democrat nomination. The US economy is close to meltdown, a default is simply unthinkable and would be a major catastrophe for the global financial system, impacting on every one of us.

So we get to the rub, America is not going to default as its solvency is not being questioned unlike that of Greece, Italy, Ireland or Spain. However, a new course for tax and spending does need to be set and quickly. This is a politically defining moment of possibly great significance: America is now a low tax economy with a high (and rising) spending culture. One or the other has to give, but which one is it going to be?  

This is where the battle-line has been drawn with, on one side, the Republicans calling for spending cuts while Democrats insist the President raises taxes. A solution has to be found with the President ultimately the one who is responsible for whatever course of action is taken, so surely all the risk rests with the White House?

Well, no. The Republican Party, despite its strong showing in November last year, is strongly influenced by Tea Party activists who are almost fundamentalist in their views on taxation. This in turn sees Republican politicians (primarily but not exclusively) fall back on over-blown rhetoric and grandiose statements. In media interviews they fail to connect to 'Main Street USA'. A time of crisis should see leaders acting calmly, working through solutions, acting in public service not self-interest. This is what American voters are looking for over the coming hours and are far more likely to see from President Obama than House Republicans.  

There are opportunities in this crisis for the Republican Party ahead of next year's presidential election, but the over-riding danger is that, in trying to undermine the President rather than build consensus, they demonstrate to the electorate that they are putting tactical political positioning ahead of the American Dream. Washington's image is sullied to such a degree that, if this did happen, Obama could be looking at an undeserved landslide in 2012.

US debt crisis a danger for Republicans

Immediately after the US mid-term elections I posted here why I thought the Republican Party would make it very likely President Obama would win a second term. Now to the present - Obama is not popular, his ratings continue to slide with some commentators in the Washington beltway suggesting a liberal candidate may challenge him for the Democrat nomination. The US economy is close to meltdown, a default is simply unthinkable and would be a major catastrophe for the global financial system, impacting on every one of us.

So we get to the rub, America is not going to default as its solvency is not being questioned unlike that of Greece, Italy, Ireland or Spain. However, a new course for tax and spending does need to be set and quickly. This is a politically defining moment of possibly great significance: America is now a low tax economy with a high (and rising) spending culture. One or the other has to give, but which one is it going to be?  

This is where the battle-line has been drawn with, on one side, the Republicans calling for spending cuts while Democrats insist the President raises taxes. A solution has to be found with the President ultimately the one who is responsible for whatever course of action is taken, so surely all the risk rests with the White House?

Well, no. The Republican Party, despite its strong showing in November last year, is strongly influenced by Tea Party activists who are almost fundamentalist in their views on taxation. This in turn sees Republican politicians (primarily but not exclusively) fall back on over-blown rhetoric and grandiose statements. In media interviews they fail to connect to 'Main Street USA'. A time of crisis should see leaders acting calmly, working through solutions, acting in public service not self-interest. This is what American voters are looking for over the coming hours and are far more likely to see from President Obama than House Republicans.  

There are opportunities in this crisis for the Republican Party ahead of next year's presidential election, but the over-riding danger is that, in trying to undermine the President rather than build consensus, they demonstrate to the electorate that they are putting tactical political positioning ahead of the American Dream. Washington's image is sullied to such a degree that, if this did happen, Obama could be looking at an undeserved landslide in 2012.

The truth about drugs in sport

On the day London was marking a year to go until the 2012 Olympics officially start, Britain's most successful current sports star had an interview published in l'Equipe, the French sports paper. In a typically candid interview, Mark Cavendish, the winner of the Green points jersey in this year's Tour de France, expressed his annoyance at the tarnished reputation cycling has because of previous doping scandals. He then went further to say "(It annoys me) that they only talk about it (doping) in relation to cycling, while everyone cheats anywhere there is money to be won."

Although athletes don't win money directly for their medals won at the Olympic Games, the rewards through sponsorships and endorsements have never been so great. Cycling, quite rightly, has been forced to face up to a very dark past, changing its culture and becoming transparent in its testing procedures. This goes as far to individual teams posting physiological data of their riders on-line thus allowing anyone to look for suspicious peaks in data ahead of the big events.  

It would be fantastic if next Summer this 'biological passport' was adopted more widely so we can all get excited about records tumbling and exploits of previous also-rans finally winning through, without a nagging doubt in our minds as to how this has been achieved. In business and in government the trend is towards ever greater transparency so why not in sport?

The easy answer to this question is to look toward the sports administrators who are about as transparent as a brick wall, but perhaps with pressure from sponsors and the public something can be achieved in the next 365 days? With planning and the right technology it is easy to do, and would allow us all to look forward to the 2012 Games in certainty that the super-human endeavours of the athletes before us really were the result of hard work and dedication rather than the latest super-drug.    

US debt crisis a danger for Republicans

Immediately after the US mid-term elections I posted here why I thought the Republican Party would make it very likely President Obama would win a second term. Now to the present - Obama is not popular, his ratings continue to slide with some commentators in the Washington beltway suggesting a liberal candidate may challenge him for the Democrat nomination. The US economy is close to meltdown, a default is simply unthinkable and would be a major catastrophe for the global financial system, impacting on every one of us.

So we get to the rub, America is not going to default as its solvency is not being questioned unlike that of Greece, Italy, Ireland or Spain. However, a new course for tax and spending does need to be set and quickly. This is a politically defining moment of possibly great significance: America is now a low tax economy with a high (and rising) spending culture. One or the other has to give, but which one is it going to be?  

This is where the battle-line has been drawn with, on one side, the Republicans calling for spending cuts while Democrats insist the President raises taxes. A solution has to be found with the President ultimately the one who is responsible for whatever course of action is taken, so surely all the risk rests with the White House?

Well, no. The Republican Party, despite its strong showing in November last year, is strongly influenced by Tea Party activists who are almost fundamentalist in their views on taxation. This in turn sees Republican politicians (primarily but not exclusively) fall back on over-blown rhetoric and grandiose statements. In media interviews they fail to connect to 'Main Street USA'. A time of crisis should see leaders acting calmly, working through solutions, acting in public service not self-interest. This is what American voters are looking for over the coming hours and are far more likely to see from President Obama than House Republicans.  

There are opportunities in this crisis for the Republican Party ahead of next year's presidential election, but the over-riding danger is that, in trying to undermine the President rather than build consensus, they demonstrate to the electorate that they are putting tactical political positioning ahead of the American Dream. Washington's image is sullied to such a degree that, if this did happen, Obama could be looking at an undeserved landslide in 2012.

The role of a Chief of Staff

In the fictional US TV series 'The West Wing', the President's chief of staff Leo McGarry once said:

"I take a bullet for the President. He doesn't take one for me."

Having seen David Cameron reveal how his chief of staff, Ed Llewellyn, had received information on alleged phone hacking from The Guardian, but 'failed to pass it on' to the then leader of the opposition, it appears Cameron agrees with this sentiment.

Akropolis Now!

Athens at this time of year is guaranteed to be hot. This year, however, the heat goes beyond the soaring temperatures of the current mini heatwave the Greek capital is experiencing.

In Athenian society there is a searing burning resentment for the way - as many see it - their country has sold out in order to protect the euro.

Friday saw pictures of the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou grinning warmly flanked by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. A deal had been done; a Greek tragedy averted. Talking to Athenians and Greeks from other reaches of this proud country, there is deep resentment that photo calls with bilious looking politicians will do nothing to dampen.

In the centre of Athens is its symbol: the majestic Akropolis that has stood for thousands of years and seen the birth of democracy, the growth of art and culture, and now the undermining of a proud nation's history. There is even a rumour that the Greek government was willing to put up the Akropolis as collateral in any debt refinancing deal. It goes without saying that resentment runs deep.

The breathing space afforded Greece from the emergency EU summit has also saved the euro zone: a currency that has eroded the Greek standard of living and eradicated its capacity to survive as an independent nation state.

The impact on Greek society has not yet been realised fully but is beginning to show itself. Parliament Square in the centre of Athens is a campsite and home to banners, flags and graffiti on every surface, draped or hung off every lamppost and building. Every taxi driver is on strike, blocking airports and ports in a further attempt to drive home their point. This in turn is inconveniencing tourists trying to travel around the country in stifling temperatures often above 100 degrees.

At the same time the socialist government seems hesitant in modernising the economy through privatisations and prudent spending plans. Greeks tend to retire early on pensions the state cannot afford. It is a country in many ways seemingly in denial at the extent of the crisis it faces.

One local told me that, as it is holiday season, the protests and rioting seen in May and June would return in September. July? It is simply too hot and 'the boys are at the beach chasing the girls'. This truce doesn't prevent a very heavy and unsettling presence of armed and riot police throughout the capital.

Ancient Attica was where the people came together building a society and recognising democracy was beneficial to all. It seems sadly ironic that such an undemocratic institution as the European Union has created such startling cracks in Greece's society today. 

The truth about drugs in sport

On the day London was marking a year to go until the 2012 Olympics officially start, Britain's most successful current sports star had an interview published in l'Equipe, the French sports paper. In a typically candid interview, Mark Cavendish, the winner of the Green points jersey in this year's Tour de France, expressed his annoyance at the tarnished reputation cycling has because of previous doping scandals. He then went further to say "(It annoys me) that they only talk about it (doping) in relation to cycling, while everyone cheats anywhere there is money to be won."

Although athletes don't win money directly for their medals won at the Olympic Games, the rewards through sponsorships and endorsements have never been so great. Cycling, quite rightly, has been forced to face up to a very dark past, changing its culture and becoming transparent in its testing procedures. This goes as far to individual teams posting physiological data of their riders on-line thus allowing anyone to look for suspicious peaks in data ahead of the big events.  

It would be fantastic if next Summer this 'biological passport' was adopted more widely so we can all get excited about records tumbling and exploits of previous also-rans finally winning through, without a nagging doubt in our minds as to how this has been achieved. In business and in government the trend is towards ever greater transparency so why not in sport?

The easy answer to this question is to look toward the sports administrators who are about as transparent as a brick wall, but perhaps with pressure from sponsors and the public something can be achieved in the next 365 days? With planning and the right technology it is easy to do, and would allow us all to look forward to the 2012 Games in certainty that the super-human endeavours of the athletes before us really were the result of hard work and dedication rather than the latest super-drug.    

US debt crisis a danger for Republicans

Immediately after the US mid-term elections I posted here why I thought the Republican Party would make it very likely President Obama would win a second term. Now to the present - Obama is not popular, his ratings continue to slide with some commentators in the Washington beltway suggesting a liberal candidate may challenge him for the Democrat nomination. The US economy is close to meltdown, a default is simply unthinkable and would be a major catastrophe for the global financial system, impacting on every one of us.

So we get to the rub, America is not going to default as its solvency is not being questioned unlike that of Greece, Italy, Ireland or Spain. However, a new course for tax and spending does need to be set and quickly. This is a politically defining moment of possibly great significance: America is now a low tax economy with a high (and rising) spending culture. One or the other has to give, but which one is it going to be?  

This is where the battle-line has been drawn with, on one side, the Republicans calling for spending cuts while Democrats insist the President raises taxes. A solution has to be found with the President ultimately the one who is responsible for whatever course of action is taken, so surely all the risk rests with the White House?

Well, no. The Republican Party, despite its strong showing in November last year, is strongly influenced by Tea Party activists who are almost fundamentalist in their views on taxation. This in turn sees Republican politicians (primarily but not exclusively) fall back on over-blown rhetoric and grandiose statements. In media interviews they fail to connect to 'Main Street USA'. A time of crisis should see leaders acting calmly, working through solutions, acting in public service not self-interest. This is what American voters are looking for over the coming hours and are far more likely to see from President Obama than House Republicans.  

There are opportunities in this crisis for the Republican Party ahead of next year's presidential election, but the over-riding danger is that, in trying to undermine the President rather than build consensus, they demonstrate to the electorate that they are putting tactical political positioning ahead of the American Dream. Washington's image is sullied to such a degree that, if this did happen, Obama could be looking at an undeserved landslide in 2012.

The reason Communism failed