A story around the water cooler...it went something like this...
Early one morning, before work, several co-workers were standing around the water cooler chatting and catching up with one another. Bob said to Caroline...say, did you see what the President (of the United States) posted on his Facebook wall last night? He said he was coming to visit our small business this afternoon. How exciting! And they went about the rest of their conversation and coffee.
Meanwhile, walking past in the hallway was the company's President and Vice President. As they passed the three at the water cooler, the President and VP looked at each other with quizzical looks on their faces, shrugged their shoulders, and said it must be an April Fool's Day joke. We hadn't heard anything about that! We are not prepared!
As the minutes and hours quickly progressed...the buzz heightened and a scurry of activity ensued as it appeared the President of the United States WAS indeed coming to their small business, but not only did the company's leadership not know, as it turned out...neither did the rest of the President's staff and security. The President did not see the big deal or understand what all the fuss was about. He thought it was a very good idea and wouldn't it be a wonderful surprise to this company?! He'd just jump on Air Force One and drop in for a quick visit. No big deal!
Shall we make a quick list of all the details that must be addressed for Mr. President to leave the White House, fly to small town America, land Air Force One, travel by motorcade on shut-down highways and by-ways, enter this small company, meet with unknown employees, make a speech to the company, travel back to airport by motorcade on shut-down highways and by-ways, fly back to the White House and hope someone left the door unlocked for him to return to the Oval Office. There are hundreds if not thousands of details to be tended to!
I still remember both instances where I was "involved" with a President of the United State's visit to a place where I was in attendance. I know there were days of advanced detail with full entourage in toe - each with a full list of tasks to complete in order for the President to step foot on the premise.
However, as ridiculous as this may sound, it is unfortunately not far from the truth for many in leadership. When a leader fails to understand how every decision he/she makes has a domino affect on many other people, he/she has become an ineffective leader and put undue stress & strain on his/her staff.
Systemic Thinking...it's more important than you realize! What do YOUR systems look like?
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