Body Blow or Knockout Punch?

While some may be focused on the messages that Greanpeace communicated during today's "banner" unveiling atop Parliament Hill, I think there are some who are wondering what impact this will have on the RCMP's already-battered image.

The Mounties' scarlet tunic once represented a source of pride for many Canadians; the squeaky clean brand of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was the envy of many other police forces and government departments.

Tasers; staffing issues/officer risk at remote detachments; pension management questions; drunk driving allegations; and, now, the Parliament Hill security breach; they all lead one to question: "How much more damage can be done to the once pristine Mountie image?"

There are points in an organization's history where it needs to adopt a different tack. There are times when a "business as usual" approach to communications fails miserably. Is this that time for the RCMP?

Imagine for a second, a boxer that was TKO'd in a match answering questions about the loss at the post-fight press conference. It's not unusual to see a blend of humility and a resolve to train harder to prevent a repeat performance. This kind of approach has been known to actually enhance the fighter's popularity, despite his very public defeat; in comparison to listing excuses and diffusing responsibility.

Time will tell if this proves to be simply another body blow for the RCMP or if it's the TKO it needs to be able to move the Mounties' image forward in a more positive fashion.