In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of Amazon's controversial pricing transparency proposal amidst tariff turmoil affecting the automotive industry. They explore the swift corporate responses from Amazon and major automakers like Ford and GM, highlighting the concept of alignment signaling in corporate communication. The conversation delves into contrasting leadership styles, particularly between Ford's Jim Farley and GM's Mary Barra, and introduces a framework for navigating political pressures in corporate settings. The episode concludes with insights on effective communication strategies for companies facing complex political landscapes.Craig’s “ACCESS” framework for alignment signaling:A = Acknowledge the environmentC = Calibrate public proximityC = Contain the messaging riskE = Engage via policy, not personalityS = Signal stakeholder awarenessS = Scenario-test the blowbackTakeawaysAmazon's pricing transparency proposal faced immediate backlash from the White House.The swift response from Amazon illustrates the importance of narrative control.Alignment signaling is crucial for companies to maintain proximity to power without appearing complicit.The framework for alignment signaling includes acknowledging the environment and calibrating public proximity.Topics MentionedAmazon, tariffs, automotive industry, corporate communication, alignment signaling, pricing transparency, political pressures, leadership stylesCompanies MentionedAmazon, Temu, Shein, Punchbowl News, White House, CNN, Semaphore, General Motors, Stellantis, Chrysler, Ford, Fox Business, CNBCChapters00:00 Amazon's Pricing Transparency Controversy03:57 The Impact of Tariffs on the Automotive Industry07:45 Alignment Signaling in Corporate Communication12:10 Contrasting Leadership Styles: Ford vs. GM16:05 Framework for Navigating Political Pressures19:55 Final Thoughts on Corporate Communication Strategies#Amazon #Ford #GeneralMotors #Stellantis #Tariffs #TradeWar #CorporateReputation #PRStrategy #CrisisComms #AlignmentSignaling #TrumpAdministration #BusinessLeadership #ReputationManagement #MediaRelations #CommsStrategy #SupplyChain #Transparency #EarningsSeason #AutoIndustry #PublicAffairs #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCastCommunication Breakdown is a production of the Observatory on Corporate Reputation.Hosted by Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling.Produced by Shawn P Neal and the team at AdvoCast.For questions, feedback, or episode suggestions, reach out at [email protected]

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