Programitis – Issue Plaguing The Workplace

Photo Source: Johan Brook

By JOSEPH TAN – Lead Faculty at Leaderonomics

Authors Roger Connors, Tom Smith and Craig Hickman listed top ten organizational unresolved issues which keep popping out regularly during their training and consulting projects. Starting from the very bottom of this list – is the issue called PROGRAMITIS. In the weeks to come, we will work through this list up to the very top issue which is (no surprises) – Poor Communication.

There is no shortage of programs out there which claim to deal with every conceivable topic – strategic planning, total quality management, just-in-time manufacturing, breakthrough innovation, total customer satisfaction, learning organizations, core competencies, business re-engineering, zero-based budgeting, flat organizations, self-management, team-driven leadership, etc.

Sure, these are needful areas to work on but do they threaten the “greatness” of the organization? There is a difference between growth and greatness. While most programs out there focuses on measurable growth, what about areas of transformation and accountability which make a company great? Have we sacrificed future greatness for tactical growth?

When you are faced with the latest book, the latest program out there, you may need to filter it through a three-stage diagnostic process to ascertain your real organizational needs. Instead of being driven just by the latest and the greatest (plus glowing testimonials), it will work in your favor if careful deliberation and analysis is done first. This week’s Wise-Video offers a practical consideration in this area.

“Instead of waiting for a leader you can believe in, try this: Become a leader you can believe in” ~ Stan Slap.