You lead a major organization and are summoned to appear before a parliamentary committee. Accusations of dishonesty are leveled against you. How should you react?
Let's examine the case of Catherine Tait, CEO of CBC, who has been in the spotlight recently.
[CONTEXT]
Catherine Tait, CEO of CBC, Canada's public broadcaster, recently appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, sparking heated debate over the corporation's compensation practices. Criticized for approving layoffs while continuing to award bonuses to employees, including senior executives like herself, Tait sought to clarify her position during her recent testimony.
At the heart of the discussions lies the distinction between bonuses and "performance-based compensation," which Tait emphasized during her earlier testimony in January. She asserted that she has no control over the category of bonuses, stating it falls under the purview of the Board of Directors rather than her own authority. However, tensions escalated during an exchange with Rachael Thomas, spokesperson for the Conservative Party on heritage matters.
"Either you lied on January 30th, or you are lying now," Mrs. Thomas declared.
In response to this accusation, Tait expressed her indignation:
"I really take objection to being called a liar," she stated, referencing previous criticisms.
The problem? She fell into the trap.
🔴 DEFENSIVENESS + AVOIDANCE + EMOTIONAL REACTION
Tait's response appears to sidestep directly addressing the core of the accusation or clearly explaining the inconsistencies in her previous statements. Instead, she focuses on her personal feelings regarding being called a liar, which may come across as evasive.
Her previous statements regarding bonuses and performance-based compensation appeared contradictory. This inconsistency was exploited by committee members to challenge her credibility and reliability. By failing to satisfactorily clarify these points, Tait fuels doubts and suspicions not only about herself but also about CBC.