RE: Forget Greed, Give a Lead

["Bawn, Loren" <LBAWN@dhs.state.ia.us>]

I agree that it would be preferable to replace short-term with long-term
thinking, but do not see this prospect as too realistic.  Along with the
business focus on short-term profits goes the political focus on poll
results.  On the one hand, we have politicians attempting to gauge "the will
of the people" on a much more frequent basis than the election cycle.  On
the other hand, significant policy decisions based on the latest poll would
be one possible definition of tampering. In today's business and political
systems, short-term thinking are a prerequisite of professional survival,
and not necessarily signs of greed. How can a person make a difference if
s/he is no longer there?

I wonder if there is an alternative to working and waiting for this
short-term focus to turn around--an alternative which would be true to the
spirit of Deming. I have read that the best leaders have the longest time
horizons.  However, the cold reality is that they will be removed from
leadership positions (by stockholders or political power brokers) if they do
not produce short-term results.   If we say to a CEO, "Forget next quarter's
profits" or to a politician "Ignore your approval rating" I can imagine the
response we would get.  Perhaps more fruitful would be a way to assure that
both needs are addressed. It may be possible to look to a higher focus level
where both needs are incorporated.  How do we foster long-term
sustainability AND achieve results now?

Keep the Faith,
Loren Bawn
Executive Officer for Community Systems
Iowa Department of Human Services