Still gotta pay the piper ...

You will only be remembered for two things: the problems you solve or the ones you create (Mike Murdoch).

A genius plan foiled!

Pre-teens are well-known for skirting responsibility. I was no different. Commanded to clean the room I shared with my older brother, I analyzed the situation and quickly realized there was an easier way to finish the job by utilizing the resources available to me. In short, I  figured out a way to meet the deadline, get the glory, waste less time doing the boring stuff, and consequently, be left with more time for play! When I finished, the room practically sparkled. My mother was amazed, as I had achieved a level of cleanliness heretofore completely unexpected of a 10-year old! I set this standard on a Friday; she bragged about my cleaning skills to her friends and at church. I was the star of the hour ... The shining example of virtue and hygiene for a solid two days (a record for any pre-teen). On Monday, it all came crashing down, thanks to my teenage brother, who discovered my brilliant plan and ratted me out.

What was my plan? I had discerned a number of hiding places, strategically placed so as to be out of the line of sight, and I recognized that shoving the clothes, toys, and other items into those places rendered them practically invisible. So, I tossed items deep under the bed, far back in the closet, and behind the dresser, among other places. When my brother discovered my genius, he decided it was better than I be punished than that he continue this ruse to both of our benefits! Whew, how the mighty fell that day. My cheeks still smart from the spanking I received.

A poor leadership tactic

Of course, such a course of action is not that unusual for a pre-teen. Unfortunately, neither is it that unusual for leaders. We can all remember times we, or those we followed, took the easiest route for making problems go away. Perhaps it was the subordinate who was be leaving soon, so the disciplinary paperwork was pushed aside. Perhaps it was the mislaid paperwork that the outgoing person simply left for the incoming Commander to deal with. It might have been someone who was soon to retire, and let the processes and procedures go to crap. Most damaging, of course, are the cases of moral failure. As the Christian Scriptures say, "Your sins will find you out." The problem always comes to light, and the fallout is generally proportional to the amount of time the problem lay hidden.

What's the solution?

The solution is simple--handle the problem when you first realize there is a problem. Hold people (and yourself) accountable to standards; finish the paperwork; work through the end; follow your moral code. The problem, and the fallout, will rarely get smaller. It generally only grows to monstrous size, engulfing all in its path when released.

Reflection

1. What problems are you finding?

2. What problems are you hiding?

3. Do they need to be pulled out from under the bed and fought like St. George and the dragon or are they still small enough to pick apart and handle?

4. Who will get hurt if this problem is not addressed?