A Lost Art

 

 

I have found an article on Organizational Health written by Sam Burja to be most illuminating. Burja contends the most common sign of an unhealthy institution is paralysis in decision-making. I think we see examples of this malady in every level of our government.

 For example. I lived during the 1960s, a turbulent era where the Congress was pretty decisive in dealing with the some of the great challenges of the time.

As Burja points out, racial unrest and rioting was met with landmark civil rights legislation at an impressive clip. New laws went a long way in quieting the tensions. It happened because rival political parties were able to craft compromise  The old “smoke-filled rooms” served a purpose.

Now, with cameras in those rooms, 24-hour news cycles and social media haters, it is virtually impossible to craft agreements across the aisle. Special interest groups can rip apart quiet bargaining before it is even partially settled.

But let’s leave Congress for a moment and look at our other layers of government. There is dysfunction at each level. Until we can once again find ways to barter, negotiate and craft consensus without demagoguery, our government will continue to perform like a failing business.

In your life, I’m sure you’ve made hard decisions. Some were right, some wrong. If you vacillate, most times, those decisions are made for you.