How NOT to Lead Effectively

Sometimes people do some weird things that just make you shake your head and say, “how is that possible?” It’s easy to mock (and I will!) but it’s also very important to pay attention to what we can learn from these examples, lest we someday make the same mistake.

One of my friends was recently part of a group putting on a large conference. As usually happens in these types of affairs, the last week or two was a flurry of crazy last minute activity.

My friend (Let’s cleverly call him “Ike,” so as to not give away his identity or the name of the conference), gets a call the week of the event from someone in charge (let’s call her “Cruella,” in honor of the fact that a) I don’t know what her name actually is and b) I doubt I’ll insult someone who may coincidentally be named “Cruella”).

“Ike, they are charging us $2,400 to rent two projectors for the conference. That’s way too much. Can you find us some other options?”

Ike: “Sure. I’ll get back to you.”

Ike puts everything on hold and researches projectors. A few hours later he calls Cruella and says, “Great news! I found a local place where we can buy two projectors for only $1,200. We just need to set up a time and run over there and get them.”

So Ike has figured out a way that will save $1,200 and may even lead to future savings. Great, right? Not so fast…

Cruella responds, “Oh, never mind. We decided to rent them because it would be easier.”

What.

Heck??

Interestingly, the conference was getting short on money, so saving $1,200 would have been..you know…smart…

The kicker? Ike had been planning an event as part of the conference that would have required renting a tent. This had been part of the plan and budgeted for for a while. He was told he could no longer get the tent because they didn’t have enough money.

The cost of the tent?

Wait for it…

Are you ready…?

$1,200

Simply astonishing.

This clearly goes into the “You have to be kidding me,” file. However, once we let our incredulosity subside (that’s a word, right?), I think there are a few great examples of bad leadership in this story:

Bad Money Skills

I am all for paying a bit more for convenience. Heck, that’s why hotels get away with charging so much for their conference services. And I make no judgements as to whether spending $1,200 to rent the projectors was worth the convenience. However, when you are up against a tight budget, a budget so tight you have to cut things you had planned for, and you have the opportunity to save a serious amount of money, you should take it. It doesn’t take an MBA to figure that out.

Bad Management

Putting someone on a task that they spend serious time on (especially when you proclaim it as an emergency so they have to drop other things) only to ignore their work when they complete the task is bad management. A manager’s job is to use resources wisely and help their people get things done as effectively and as efficiently as possible. If you decide to go with the hotel rental, don’t you think it’s a good idea to contact the people you have looking for alternatives and tell them? Isn’t “not wasting my people’s time,” part of good management? (Keep in mind, Ike was volunteering his time, so you can’t make the argument that “that’s what he is paid for.” It was a real waste of time.

Bad Leadership

Management is making sure things are getting done effectively and efficiently. Leadership is about seeing the big picture and making sure things are moving in the right direction. So let’s see how well that was carried out here:

1. Wasting $1,200 for a little convenience? Not good.
2. Missing an opportunity to save money that would have allowed other events in the conference be more successful? Not good.
3. Pissing off the volunteer work force? Not good.

As a leader, you have a responsibility to not just “get things done,” but also to ensure the overall health and success of the organization or event you are leading. That includes money, people, and the overall experience. That’s leadership, and in this story, we see that wasn’t done at all.

I hope you found the story as ridiculous as I did. It is pretty obviously not the way to lead. The thing is, so many people seem apt to behave in these kinds of bizarre fashions, especially when pressure rises. A little forethought, rationality, planning, and good ol’ fashioned “smartassery” will hopefully keep you from falling into the same trap…

About

By Avish Parashar. As the world's only Motivational Improviser, Avish uses techniques from the world of improv comedy to engage, entertain, and educate audiences on ideas around change, creativity, and motivation. Connect with Avish on Google+

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