Weak Links #7: free speech, silence, corporate citizenship, diversity

“Weak Links?”

In 1973 Stanford Professor Mark Granovetter’s “the strength of weak ties” argued that weak links, between people with different opinions, help new and unfamiliar ideas spread.

“Don’t be evil”

By Jess McAree, Head of Editorial Compliance, Telegraph Media Group, and independent PR and communications consultant

JMThe man who deals with complaints about editorial content at the Telegraph Media Group makes a robust defence of freedom of speech

“(S)he shouldn’t be allowed to say that. It’s disgraceful.”

Admit it: you’ve privately thought it, or perhaps said it. You may even have written the letter to the Editor, or to my counterparts who deals with complaints on other newspapers. Perhaps you’ve gone further, and taken active steps to stop the person saying it – whatever ‘it’ is.

Silence is golden in an age of sharing

By Amy Watt, founder, Megawatt Coaching 

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As we settle into self-isolation, silence is likely to become a bigger part of our lives. A little understood virtue in communications, those who harness its power are often on the front foot in their careers and their counsel. 

Ever found yourself in a one-sided conversation about a project, with little chance to speak or ask a question?  If so, you’re not alone.  We comms people are often in overdrive, with many meetings, tasks and priorities.

Is diversity becoming the new conformity?

By Lindsay Reid ACSI, a former compliance recruiter and now an independent compliance consultant specialist

LRNot long ago I heard that recruiters in the banking and finance sector increasingly favour female candidates for some senior roles.  As a former recruiter, I was taken aback, having always applied the basic principles of best-servicing clients by providing a selection of the best available, qualified and experienced candidates.

Getting it done despite the contagion

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered what must have been the most important speech of his life today with the nation, and much of Europe, now reaching crisis point.

Having unexpectedly stumbled into the job less than a month ago, he was always going to have his work cut out to deliver this.  And that was before the Covid-19 spectre reared up.

Taking back control or getting things done

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s much talked about Cabinet reshuffle has arrived.

Today is one of the most important days for a prime minister. The power to appoint ministers, rewarding loyal or effective MPs and punishing disloyal or ineffective MPs, is a privilege exclusive to the PM.  Reshuffles allow PMs to exercise their patronage.

A decisive victory

A clear majority

Boris Johnson has won one of the most decisive election victories in recent political history. By giving the Conservatives a majority of 78, the largest since 1987, the Conservatives have broken the deadlock that had taken over British politics since the 2017 election.

The pound has reacted strongly to the new-found certainty that business and the economy have not had for years.  Pundits are focusing on the certainty this result will mean for Brexit.  The result also gives business a new certainty.  It will not need to adapt to the whims of a Marxist government with little regard for private property and which might bankrupt the country.

Weak Links: General Election special

What next for the Conservatives in Government?  Now the real contest for power and influence.

The Conservatives have a clear majority.  But the struggle for power is not over.  Factions within the party will now vie for control, to implement their version of conservatism.

What’s the likely impact on business and economy?  Here we look at the two likely factions and what to look out for over the next few days.