Earlier last week the BBC issued a statement regarding the suspension of Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. For those people who were scanning the headlines that day it may not have come as a surprise. Clarkson and Top Gear have been involved in a wide range of controversial issues (the most recent one as far back as October 2014 in Argentina involving an apparently coincidental number plate). And each time Clarkson is given a formal warning from the producers who promise that this time it would be his ‘last chance’. However on this occasion it was universally agreed that a line had been crossed. The suspension came after Clarkson was involved in a physical altercation with one of the producers. An argument that originated over the correct food not being served.
Top Gear has amassed millions of viewers from around the world in its 12 years on air. The majority of these viewers tune in each week to watch the latest exploits involving the three presenters. These range from slapstick comedy to fast paced racing in exotic locations. And at the centre of this is Jeremy Clarkson’s witty banter that makes it the most widely watched factual television programme in the world. And this is where the BBC faces a moral dilemma. Just how much can they let Clarkson get away with if it comes at the expense of physical abuse? If it had been anyone else they would have been replaced a long time ago. But looking at it from a business point of view, can the BBC really afford to lose one its most valuable assets? Especially if the prospect of him (and his loyal co-presenters) joining a rival channel is a very strong possibility.
Here are four things that businesses can learn from the latest Top Gear ‘fracas’.
1. Watch Your Attitude
Both clients and design agencies face similar problems like the one the BBC is facing (minus the exchange of punches over under-heated food). Some might argue that Clarkson and many other television presenters display a larger than life personality in the public eye. So it is inevitable that to keep up with that persona controversies like this can be expected somewhere down the line. However there are many other TV companies who have a demanding host but they deal with it just fine. The inability to control your employees reflects really badly on your leadership. This is where a no-nonsense attitude works best.
2. Know When To Give Up
Designers have been known to throw a dramatic tantrum or two (not that I’d know anything about that) that leads to the client reluctantly agreeing. Likewise a client may ask for something beyond the bounds of reality that may leave an agency no choice but to continue working on the project.
In all the back-and-forth drama that ensues in this stand-off one side tends to lose it’s battle. And from then on it’s usually a steep slope for the losing side. This may all sound very deep and philosophical but it’s probably something we have all faced at some time in our lives. Unfortunately there is no easy solution for this as both sides feel like they have a lot more to lose than their opposition if they blink first. Most will see the BBC as weak if they let Clarkson off with a light punishment once again but ultimately it will be a decision that’s made with the interest of all parties in mind. Pick your battles, not everything is worth arguing over.
3. Money Talks
It is very easy to approach this from a politically correct angle. Whether it was just a scuffle as some papers reported or a full on lip tearing punch as others have described, violence should not be tolerated at the workplace. But that solution is a lot more complicated than it looks. As hard as it is to accept the BBC are losing out on millions as foreign broadcasters are demanding compensation for the unaired episodes and rival TV companies are circling Clarkson like vultures in the hopes of bringing him over to their side. If your business is suffering then taking firm action may be the correct thing to do. There is no point in keeping hold of a troublesome employee if it means losing out financially.
4. Draw The Line From The Beginning
In hindsight what the BBC could have improved on was managing Clarkson a lot better. Many people are blaming them for creating this ‘monster’ in the first place. Too much leniency in the past has led to this kind of attitude and lack of respect towards another colleague. The same can be said for any business. Draw the line near the very beginning of a project when you at least have a chance to discuss and debate certain points. Ignore this and you invite them to keep testing the system.
Hakim Shujaee is a Creative Thinker and Designer at Happy Creative, a full service marketing and creative agency based in Blackpool, Lancashire. To learn more or contact us please go to www.happy-creative.co.uk
