The Peacock faces roughed up feathers...
Over the past couple of days there has been continued fallout over the recorded comments of a presidential candidate's treatment of women. So much so that in current poling, what looked like a 2-3 point difference between candidates, now is more like 10-12 points. The comments, although recorded close to 10 years ago, give a peak into the perceptions of the candidate's views as they mount continued challenges to their opponent. Organizationally, pundits have tried to chalk the comments up as "locker room" banter, but it still gives pause. But that is not the topic of discussion this morning.
Organizationally, the issue now has transferred to the news anchor, who gave the interview during that time period. Currently, under suspension from a highly rated morning news show, the anchor has been quieted by the network. However, it has become a more interesting scenario that his approving comments during the interview, has now fostered internal strife concerning his continued contribution to the NBC organization.
On msn.com's Top Stories segment, there is an article "Today Show Coworkers Want Billy Bush Out: 'It Really Seems Like It's Time for Him to Go", there are some very frank comments concerning the potential ouster of the Today Show talk show host. A source in the NBC camp tells PEOPLE that the suspension of the host makes the set feel "surreal" as they grapple with the fallout from the leak of the tape of Access Hollywood, in which presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen making inappropriate comments about women. Presently, the Today Show staff seem "gossipy" concerning the outcome of the suspension. While this article makes it clear through various sources that his relationship with fellow co-workers have been strained for some time.
All of this comes as apologies from Bush and comments from producers of the show have made it clear that "there is no excuse for Billy's language and behavior..." Of course, now Mr. Bush is fearing for his job due to the fallout.
Organizations must find ways to disconnect themselves when there is a breach of integrity or if the organization is enamored with the prospect of being held accountable for the indiscretion of its staff. The question is whether Billy Bush is either being scapegoated for the overall unaddressed actions years prior, or whether "bad blood" between co-workers in the organization have spilled into the public eye? I don't have an answer or an opinion, pointing out the fact that in many organizations, it is not until something catastrophic happens, that individuals choose sides either for or against the person being vilified. Perceptions of impropriety can quickly turn uneasy co-worker relationships into potential all out assaults.
I am not saying Billy Bush is right concerning his actions in 2005 as respect for all women should be paramount, but I do think that it is up to the organization to handle the potential dismissal gracefully, not allowing co-workers to join into the roasting. In such an open forum as the media, it seems that the predilection of what should be done has been guided by voices of internal co-worker politics.
TPP...
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