This is an interesting one: the image on the left, by Andrew Parsons, shows the recent press conference hosted by David Cameron and Nick Clegg following their collaboration and coalition.
A lot has been written about their relationship; analysis of the body language and behaviour; analogies with arranged marriages and what they said and how. Some commentators have considered how long the relationship will last, others are scathing.
I am not interested in that; I don't have a crystal ball, so am not able to predict the future. What I am interested in, is how individuals are able to present themselves as an individual and within a team. How they are able to work together to create a 'united front' on the world stage.
Cameron and Clegg were political rivals until very, very recently. Through circumstances they are now having to lead the country through a very challenging time. Whilst I don't know either man personally, my understanding is that they are both very intelligent, ambitious individuals, who are"Alpha Males". To form a partnership of this kind, there have to be adjustments, and they have to learn where the boundaries are within that relationship.
The behaviour of the two during the press conference was awkward and almost flirtatious. There were times when neither was totally clear about how to behave; who should speak first; who should take over. Of course this was an enormous challenge since a week earlier they were political rivals, and in fairness, there was little time to adopt a 'Role' for the performance. Also, although Nick Clegg's party was the 'junior' party in the alliance, the Lib Dems gave the opportunity for the Conservatives to take power. So NC being subordinate might not be appropriate.
So learning from this scenario, this is what I believe would assist individuals and companies in this position;
A lot has been written about their relationship; analysis of the body language and behaviour; analogies with arranged marriages and what they said and how. Some commentators have considered how long the relationship will last, others are scathing.
I am not interested in that; I don't have a crystal ball, so am not able to predict the future. What I am interested in, is how individuals are able to present themselves as an individual and within a team. How they are able to work together to create a 'united front' on the world stage.
Cameron and Clegg were political rivals until very, very recently. Through circumstances they are now having to lead the country through a very challenging time. Whilst I don't know either man personally, my understanding is that they are both very intelligent, ambitious individuals, who are"Alpha Males". To form a partnership of this kind, there have to be adjustments, and they have to learn where the boundaries are within that relationship.
The behaviour of the two during the press conference was awkward and almost flirtatious. There were times when neither was totally clear about how to behave; who should speak first; who should take over. Of course this was an enormous challenge since a week earlier they were political rivals, and in fairness, there was little time to adopt a 'Role' for the performance. Also, although Nick Clegg's party was the 'junior' party in the alliance, the Lib Dems gave the opportunity for the Conservatives to take power. So NC being subordinate might not be appropriate.
So learning from this scenario, this is what I believe would assist individuals and companies in this position;
- Designate the 'roles' of everyone involved in a press conference.
- Decide who is going to say what.
- One person should lead the press conference; it doesn't need to be the person in charge.
- The 'lead' person in the conference should be the first going on, off and taking questions.
- In the case of NC and DC, if there is an issue over roles for NC, he should call a press conference when DC is on paternity leave; he'll get his chance then.
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