In
the article, the harder they Fall, by
Kramer’s (2003) sets a baseline on how leaders rise and fall. Similarly to a
saying in aviation, what goes up must come down. This can be gracefully with
retirement and passing the torch or as dramatic as the board room with Donald
Trump yelling, “You’re fired!” The actions or inactions of leaders who lose
sight of reality, thus breaking ethical code and boundaries, lands them in hot
water. Kramer (2003) highlights that “it’s not only what new leaders do when
they get to the top that gets them into trouble; it’s also what they don’t do”
(Kramer, 2003).
I
think today’s society from politics to business is full of leaders that lose
sight of reality. There are many things that blind them but sadly it’s the customer
who usually suffers. Society at large, principally in the United States, has
become so accustom to being waited on hand and foot. There are only a few hard workers
left and the rest are banking on borrowed credit. The news is full of the
latest scandal or hot topics that capture ratings and further perpetuates
society into losing sight of reality.
This
happens also within my organization. Those in charge of logistics and supply
functions seem to always have the latest and greatest gadget or gizmo often
without a need while the masses seek and sometimes “beg, borrow, and steal” resources.
Lapse in judgment and unfruitful spending habits transpire similar to the article.
Although, our perceived spending dilemmas are not as significant as a $2,200
dollar waste basket or a $15,000 umbrella holder (Kramer, 2003).
The
next element is the organizations leaders who are willing to break the rules,
but chastise those beneath them for following their examples. I understand the
mentality behind “If you aren’t willing to test the limits of what’s acceptable
and what works… you’ll never make it to that next level of performance
or attainment” (Kramer, 2003). I in part agree but there has to still be limits
or a scope to maintain, complete chaos about the organization is not a good
idea. Lastly, some leaders find themselves “distracted by all the
temptations – and often abandon the practices that helped them capture the
crown” (Kramer, 2003). They too easily forget what actions put them in power
and start to slowly burn bridges. Eventually they are left on their own island
with no way off.
As
far as dilemmas in my life; I have none. I love my profession and my family. Sometimes
have to compromise one for the other but I find equilibrium eventually. I keep
my liabilities within check and never extend myself beyond my own abilities.
Knowing what you can’t do is equally important as knowing what you can do.
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