WITH AUTHORITY - COMES RESPONSIBILITY

The title of my blog is meant only to repeat a simple rule of Managment that was drilled into my thick skull over 50 years ago. Unfortunately, it is a rule that seems to have been either overlooked or discarded by today's business leaders and politicians.

That's a shame.

Most of us understand there are 4 to 6 "stages" of grief". Not coincidentally, there are an equal number of "rules" for problem resolution.

As we currently deal with the long overdue outrage over subjects like athlete's concussions, child and spousal abuse, and immigration - many of us, particularly those who have witnessed these problems first hand - are experiencing various stages of grief.

So, perhaps this is a good time to review the problem solving model that is so tied in with that experience of grief.

My favorites are fairly basic:

1. Define the Problem.
2. Determine the Root Causes.
3. Develop Alternative Solutions
4. Select a Solution.
5. Implement the Solution
6. Evaluate the Outcome.

Of the six - I have always felt the last was the most important.

Too often - similar to laws we have passed (red light cameras comes quickly to mind), without  #6  the previous 5 steps can often be an exercise in futility that dashes and disappoints the hopes of those crying out for resolution.

If problem solvers fail to monitor the results of the proposed "solution" (and there may be several facets contained within), all the well intentioned thinking that led the deciders right up to that final stage may be all for naught.

Too many times their failure causes us to lose faith in those we discharged, either via the ballot box or our acceptance of their oft stated promises to "do the right thing".

It appears that's where we are today.

I also believe you can put together a thoughtful, intelligent, goal oriented team to follow the problem resolution exercise and it doesn't take until after the Super Bowl next February or the 2016 elections to come up with a game plan that can be monitored.

                      " With Authority - Comes Responsibility"