The earpiece

Communication is critical in any team endeavor, even the Tour de France. 

Forbes’ Rich Karlgaard reminds us that the first thing Johan Bruyneel did when he became Lance Armstrong’s bicycle team director in 1998 was fit the entire team with radios and earpieces.

The Tour de France is a three-week endeavor.  Communication is an important way to minimize costly mistakes.  As a team director, Bruyneel has eight wins and one third place in the Tour de France.

Good communication is key to Detroit’s success, too.  That’s why it’s important to hold events like the annual Mackinac Conference.  This year’s speakers will no doubt give us ideas on how to handle our many challenges such as the prolonged recession, a humbled automotive industry and insolvent municipalities.

Featured keynote speakers this year include former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne.  Of course the media will be there in force, including WDIV’s news anchor, Devin Scillian, an excellent communicator, himself.

Communication is important on the bike and in the boardroom.

-Michael Angelo Caruso