Setting aside (as we always do) any debate about the issue of proroguing – i.e., shutting down – Parliament, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been a lightning rod since Christmas for all manner of editorial and pundit condemnation for the move, so what to do in response? During the holidays, Harper left it to surrogates like his Press Secretary to deliver the counter-spin. But this week, a strategic decision was made to do one (unless there was any other that I missed), high profile, one-on-one interview to talk about the Parliamentary measure and a range of other issues. The CBC’s Peter Mansbridge got the nod, and I think Harper did quite a fine job both in responding to questions on proroguing and new air security measures – while also having a clear message focus on how economic issues are number one for his government, and even squeezing in a shot on the long-gun registry issue in the context of the “wrong way” to go about dealing with potential dangers vis a vis terrorism. Overall, Harper came off as engaged in the tough issues and willing to talk about them – a stark contrast to the oft-made description of him as one who loathes any such interviews. Doing one appearance, taped in his own office, was a smart strategic move, and the execution was solid.

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U.S. President Barack Obama had a tough time of it over the holidays, being slow out of the blocks to respond to the attempting airliner bombing near Detroit on Christmas Day, and hobbled by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s ham-fisted “the system worked” comment in the aftermath. But I think he has made some good strides since, in announcing the probe into how the plot came so close to succeeding, and then yesterday pronouncing it a system-wide intelligence failure, one for which “the buck” rests with him. Any leader in a crisis situation needs to show that they are “on the file,” actively engaged and aware that people are being adversely affected. Obama got there, eventually.

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During the holidays, NOW Magazine touted Toronto city councilor and potential mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone as a contender thusly: “He’s young. He’s bright. He’s gay. And he looked better than any of his challengers so far.” Trouble is, Giambrone’s straight. So how to react to correct the record, without seeming defensive? Answer: laugh it off, as Giambone did, in young bright style – on Facebook: “Amused but not entirely surprised to learn in NOW Magazine that I'm supposedly gay." He went on to write that he has "great relationship" with the gay community in Toronto, but: "so as not to mislead anyone, I should correct the record: I'm not, in fact, gay. Sarah, my partner, has taken the news in stride (and) with good humour ..."

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It was supposed to be Google’s day to shine. The red carpet was laid out as the world’s leading search engine prepared to unveil ‘Nexus One’, its response to the Apple iPhone. But just before Google made its announcement, Apple executives pulled the rug from under its competitor. Apple announced that the number of iPhone applications downloaded from its App Store since its inception 18 months ago has now topped the 3 billion mark. “This is like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” said CEO Steve Jobs. “We see no signs of the competition catching up anytime soon.” Instead of the media going gaga over Google, Apple stole the headlines that day and into the next. Apple executives did not reveal when this milestone was reached but the timing of the announcement is no coincidence. Jobs had some catching up to do after Microsoft unveiled a new slate computer weeks before Apple’s new Tablet PC will be revealed. So Apple seized this opportunity to win back the spotlight. Steve Jobs is a pro at overshadowing his competitors. When Palm introduced its Pre Smartphone, Apple stole its thunder by coming out with an even better iPhone 3GS which has a higher resolution camera and video capability. It’s a competitive industry where timing is everything. And in this case, while the timing was rotten for Google, it was just ripe for Apple. Touchdown.

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At the beginning of the week, it appeared to be game over for Saskatchewan Roughriders’ general manager Eric Tillman who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his children’s 16-year-old babysitter in 2008. While we don’t condone Tillman’s actions, we believe, his response in the aftermath is worthy of a Touchdown. In a tearful apology in court, Tillman made an emotional connection with the people most affected—including the victim, her family, his family, and Roughriders fans. “I'm profoundly sorry that I brought embarrassment to not only the organization and to my family, but to the people throughout this province.” Tiger Woods could learn a thing or two from Tillman. His comment towards his wife and parents demonstrates his understanding of the impact the scandal has had on them. “It pains me beyond words that 10 or 15 seconds of my life could impact them so significantly and I am so profoundly sorry.” He also took full responsibility for his actions and promised the judge that it will never happen again. While his apology might not save his job, it did spare him a criminal record. The judge gave him an absolute discharge saying that Tillman's behaviour was "out of character for him". Saying he’s sorry doesn’t right the wrong but it could encourage people to be more forgiving. A poll of Riders fans shows more than 86% of responders believe the organization should keep Tillman regardless of the outcome. At Veritas, we advise our clients that in a crisis, the key is to take charge of the situation quickly. Apologies can take you closer to the end zone but can earn you a Fumble if they’re not immediate and sincere.

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If you have logged on to the social networking site Facebook today, you will see it is a very colourful place. Thousands of women (and inexplicably some men) have been posting their bra colours as their status updates – hence the appearance of “red”, “leopard”, “sparkles” and even the more salacious “nude.” Early sources indicate that a breast cancer survivors network in Detroit is behind this meme which you can also follow on Twitter by searching for #breastcancerawareness. Whoever started the meme, we’re awarding them a com.motion special teams Touchdown for a classic social media campaign – a simple idea which has captured the imagination of many thousands of women worldwide. By just posting a few letters, women everywhere are instigating conversations which inspire their networks to action – seeking out why the cryptic message has been posted and then finding out it supports a worthy cause. Any idea, no matter how small and seemingly meaningless that can drive that level and volume of action deserves a Touchdown!

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