Sit down- shut up!

This is my advice to WTW, Mercer and Aon who are facing the Competition and Market Authority’s probe into their behaviour as investment consultants.

They are reported in the FT “denouncing the FCA’s flawed report” that got them in this pickle

Mine is advice given to rival football fans when they are facing a penalty. It is good advice.Here’s another piece of advice

When you’re in a hole – stop digging,

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And here’s some advice to the victims of bullying

From the Daily Mirror for “12 ways to beat bullies“. This should be read by  anyone who comes in contact with the “big three” in “denouncing” mode.

1. Don’t become resigned to being a victim. You CAN help yourself and get others to help you
2. TELL a friend what is happening. It will be harder for the bully to pick on you if you have a pal with you for support.
3. TRY to ignore the bully or say “No!” really firmly, then walk away
4. MOST bullied people have negative body language – hunched up and looking at the floor. Try to stand straight and make eye contact
5. IF you don’t want to do something, don’t give in to pressure. Be firm. Remember, everyone has the right to say no.
6. SIMPLY repeat a statement again and again: “No, you can’t have my lunch money, no, you can’t have my lunch money!” The bully will get bored because they are not getting anywhere and give up
7. MAKE your phrase short and precise: Say “It’s my pencil.” or “Go away” firmly
8. DON’T show that you are upset or angry. Bullies love to get a reaction – it’s “fun”. Keep calm and hide your emotions – the bully might get bored and leave you alone
9. MAKE up funny or clever replies in advance. They don’t have to be brilliant, but it helps to have an answer ready. Practise saying them at home. If the bully says: “Give me your sweets,” you could say: “OK, but my dog licked them so they don’t taste very nice.”
10. STOP thinking like a victim. If you have been bullied for a long time, you might start to believe what the bully says – that you’re ugly, awful and no one will ever like you. This is “victim-think”.
11. MAKE a list of all the good things you can think of about yourself. Talk to yourself in a positive way. Say: “I may not look like a film star, but I’m good at maths and have a brilliant sense of humour.”
12. KEEP a diary about what is happening. A written record of the bullying makes it much easier to prove what has been going on.