Bull in a China Shop

One of the most self-explanatory expressions in the English language is the title of this entry. Someone uses "bull in a China shop" and we immediately envision a person out of control causing a great deal of havoc that includes breaking things. Taking that one step further, it also conjures up relief that we are not the ones saddled with the task of trying to reign in that bull. Any time a person is out of control, you can bet those around him or her have their hands full. Thus. these days I am feeling very sympathetic toward the persons working for the office of the mayor in the city of Toronto. Their boss, Mayor Rob Ford, is acting like a bull big-time.

Mayor Ford has confessed to using illegal drugs. Further, his behavior with reporters and in city council meetings - all documented in painfully graphic detail - has been nothing less than bizarre. Hearing of anyone self destruct is sad enough, but to see it played out nearly every night on the national news is nothing less than painful. In terms of communication, when one has a boss who is as out of control as  Mayor Ford, what do they do? What can they do? What are the challenges that office's communication officer faces in striving to contend with the unusual antics of the city's top official?

My advice - if any one is interested - is that the communication needs to let the mayor go. Ford's behavior is so far beyond the pale that nothing can be done to "spin" it. At the same time, the communication office can and should focus on the business of the city council in terms of steps they are taking to contend with the Mayor as well as carry on with important city business. Doing this will help reassure city residents that Toronto will continue to maintain its reputation as a solid and major city. Further, the communication needs to work closely with the media even though they may seem a real bother at such a difficult time. Clamping down on a culture of openness and press access wold only make the situation worse.