I want to distinguish two different versions of Ben's vignette. Ben said:
> I've heard a number of managers -- all at different levels in the
> organization -- say "well, we've got to run on faith. What other choice do
> we have?"
Version #1: Proceeding with a policy thought to be flawed...
This sad version is heard when people feel they are being told to do
something that they think won't work. When they speak up, they may be
told, "Well, we've gotta run on faith!" Or sometimes, "We don't have any
choice."
Someone else talked about this being a case of continuing on hope, not on
faith. It creates fodder for Scott Adams' Dilbert cartoons and sucks the
energy out of an organization. I've seen it as an operating manager.
Version #2: Proceeding with a policy thought to be effective, but which
cannot be justified on evidence...
For example, we decide to use the principle, "As a leader, never ask
someone else to do something you wouldn't do yourself!" This was suggested
recently in another thread here and is probably not a bad principle, but,
we can't present conclusive evidence that this is the most effective way
to act.
There are lots of principles and policies which we follow but can't
support with conclusive evidence.
This is "Going on faith.." in a much different way than in the case
of Version #1. In this version, "Going on faith..." is making a personal
decision, taking a stand, and is an essential aspect of effective
leadership.
-- Rick
--
Richard Karash ("Rick") | <http://world.std.com/~rkarash>
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