In a recent blog, the Reverend Larry Hollon, publisher of the United Methodist News Service and storyteller, made a keen observation. It seems that comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who does “man on the street” interviews, asked people if they favored Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act won easily. What’s the point? Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act are one in the same. The Obama administration allowed someone else to describe the program that was supposed to define his legacy. Even people in his own administration use the term Obamacare. My husband, Jerry, often remarks, “Words mean things.” This communication debacle has caused damage to the President’s legacy program. The lack of communication brings even more damage to the program.
Apparently, there was a lack of communication about the seriousness of the state of the program and its lack of readiness for rollout. Is this a reenactment of the story by Hans Christian entitled “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? As you recall, no one wanted to tell the king that the clothes two swindlers were weaving did not exist for fear of looking stupid. So, the king put the “clothes” on and went out into his realm with only his carriage canopy for cover. Did Obama’s team not tell him because they were afraid of his reaction? Which begs the question, what are his communication skills in the face of challenges? Or, perhaps they didn’t want to embarrass themselves…so much for that idea. The lack of communication or unclear communication can have serious consequences. Where oh where is Batman when you need him?
For example, let’s examine the case of the CEO who expanded the organization. He brought in a new member of the executive team. Not only was the current team not told of this person coming on board, the CEO also failed to tell a member of the current team, we’ll call her Bette, that this new VP would be taking over the duties that Bette had managed for 25 years! Holy fall out Batman! One team member quit, er, um, I mean took early retirement. The team splintered into factions. Those who still pine for the pre expansion days and can’t quite seem to get on the bus and the one or two who are seated on the expansion bus. Bette, as you might well imagine, fell into a depression, felt unappreciated and became bitter. She began spreading her negativity throughout the organization to whoever would listen. The CEO hired an executive coach for Bette, at no small expense, to help her find her seat on the bus. In the beginning of the coaching sessions, there were tears and ranting about the expansion and the new executive team member went on for several sessions. The coach was finally able to ask Bette what was good about the expansion. Bette replied, “Nothing.” The coach persevered and it appeared that Bette was turning around. However, in a meeting of her peers, a heated discussion ensued and one of the executive team members went to the CEO about Bette’s negativity. It was obvious that Bette’s disappointment had done its damage and her colleagues had had enough. Will Bette survive? Stay tuned.
The importance of communication cannot be stressed enough. Not only does communication have to occur, it must be clear, concise and to the point. Because of a lack of communication both Obama’s and Bette’s legacies have been tarnished. Many have been disappointed, productivity has suffered and progress impeded. Change can be good. However, without communication, it can spiral into diabolical chaos and not even Batman can save it.
Graphic Credit Big Stock
