To misquote Brendan Behan “I have never seen a workplace situation so dismal that an employment lawyer couldn't make it worse.” They have their uses, (and even the best can only operate within the ToR set by the employer), but when organisations abdicate their leadership obligations it never ends well. Sounds grim for Sian Doyle, while the chair seems to be Teflon coated. But f the reports are accurate about what happened in France at the RWC then it sounds like all 3 senior leaders are not suitable to deliver the required change. Kicking the can down the road is a toxic habit for organisations.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is deeply upsetting to read of how all of this has affected Sian Doyle. No one takes an overdose unless they are in a state of terrible anguish. Let’s hope she gets the care she needs to recover fully.
The comments you make above - providing some detail I was unaware of - confirms my own thoughts on the bullying allegations. To me it seemed quite possible that Mrs Doyle’s task of reforming S4C was almost impossible due to the conservative nature of the organisation and that tensions arose because of this clash.
The story reminds me of two organisations I used to work with which went through similar scenarios, with a determined manager (both women as it happens. Is that part of the issue?) and a staff generally unwilling to change. Both were eventually forced out of their posts.
Another problem in the S4C story is the general unwillingness among the people of Wales to criticise institutions, especially when they are key to the survival of Cymraeg. And yet an ability to hold them to account is crucial if we are to save the language.
I agree Dyfed. I think that is why people hesitate to criticise the Welsh Government because they believe it will be a stick that will be used to beat devolution in general.
To misquote Brendan Behan “I have never seen a workplace situation so dismal that an employment lawyer couldn't make it worse.” They have their uses, (and even the best can only operate within the ToR set by the employer), but when organisations abdicate their leadership obligations it never ends well. Sounds grim for Sian Doyle, while the chair seems to be Teflon coated. But f the reports are accurate about what happened in France at the RWC then it sounds like all 3 senior leaders are not suitable to deliver the required change. Kicking the can down the road is a toxic habit for organisations.
Agree with the sentiment Wayne. I can't imagine that Sian going is going to lead to long term change the broadcaster needs
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is deeply upsetting to read of how all of this has affected Sian Doyle. No one takes an overdose unless they are in a state of terrible anguish. Let’s hope she gets the care she needs to recover fully.
The comments you make above - providing some detail I was unaware of - confirms my own thoughts on the bullying allegations. To me it seemed quite possible that Mrs Doyle’s task of reforming S4C was almost impossible due to the conservative nature of the organisation and that tensions arose because of this clash.
The story reminds me of two organisations I used to work with which went through similar scenarios, with a determined manager (both women as it happens. Is that part of the issue?) and a staff generally unwilling to change. Both were eventually forced out of their posts.
Another problem in the S4C story is the general unwillingness among the people of Wales to criticise institutions, especially when they are key to the survival of Cymraeg. And yet an ability to hold them to account is crucial if we are to save the language.
I agree Dyfed. I think that is why people hesitate to criticise the Welsh Government because they believe it will be a stick that will be used to beat devolution in general.