Controlled Burns

"...The incompetent with nothing to do can still make a mess of it.."

Laurence Peter

There are many processes and procedures in any enterprise. They are prescribed methods for getting work done, completing projects, generating business relationships, starting new ventures and overall day to day operations of the company and/or department.

From my perspective, these broadly defined "activities" take on a distinct set of characteristics. These characteristics are either controlled and flow from a source of competence realizing the vision or objective of the business unit or function, or they go awry and do uncontrolled damage, much akin to way a forest fire spreads.

During the long flights of the last couple weeks in Asia, I had the chance to catch up on some reading of some case studies on failed leadership or large programs and some of  these patterns emerge clearly.

When dealing some some individuals and teams, these activities (burns) are random, do uncontrolled destruction, drive all the nice animals out of the forest (enterprise) They leave nothing but a scorched earth for others to later come along and live with and ultimately clean up. These are teams that are either careless in their execution or simply lack the skills to do the level of engagement they are tasked with. These individuals go through the motions they deem to be successful but in the end, the structure is one of chaos.

It is important that you have qualified and competent leadership in these key areas of your business. They must have the learned and innate skills to reach the desired business outcome across teams and companies in a particular discussion or negotiation process. The leader must have the ability to manage multiple work streams, negotiations, personal relationships all with expert navigation and precision, setting controlled areas or activity that ultimately grow to also support the outcome. These concepts in the enterprise to the rational actor in a geopolitical engagement.

Stephen Gillett