Leadership - A discussion of traits, characteristics, and current news of leaders.

The radio talk host and former shock jock made racial comments last week about the Rutgers women’s basketball team calling them "nappy-headed hos." If you were the boss what would your reaction be? What factors would you consider?

CBS Radio and MSNBC both said Monday they were suspending Don Imus' morning talk show for two weeks. Meanwhile a protest is growing and many are calling for Imus to be fired.

Unfortunately, I don’t think the decision to suspend Imus was a decision by CBS and MSNBC about right or wrong.  Rather it was a business decision to placate protestors, to ask for forgiveness and then get back to business two weeks later.  My guess is that both CBS and MSNBC will not inflict a stronger punishment unless they see the protest start to put pressure on advertisers and advertisers of the show pull out. Unless, that is, they see it affecting the bottom line.

As a leader, it is not an easy decision.  It is our job to protect the bottom line and protect and sustain our assets (in this case the personality of Imus). But like most decisions, there are potential short term and long-term consequences of any decision we make. What are the revenue ramifications of firing Imus? Or of keeping him after a suspension? How will your decision affect your audience now and in the future? Your culture? Your ability to hire and retain?

Racial comments or comments in bad taste are not against the law.  The FCC does not regulate them.  The regulation is left to the broadcasters. That is important responsibility.

So should a person be fired for making racially disrespectful comments? Every situation is unique. One question to ask is if there is a pattern of this behavior?  There are those that argue, this is not the first offense of Don Imus.  Additionally, he not only made racial comments but he made them to an audience of millions. Imus is more than an employee; he is a voice and sphere of influence.

It is possible to be controversial, speak your mind, be funny and edgy and not racist or sexist. It is unconscionable, however, to use sexist and racist comments to disrespect and demean a group of talented young women who had accomplished so much. Don Imus has a right to free speech.  He does not have a right to be employed. One way to deter this type of thinking and behavior is to not tolerate it in the media and in the workplace.