It Starts At The Top – The Big Top (aka the circus)

An organization’s performance is highly dependent if not solely dependent upon on the individual in charge. I came to this conclusion 25+ years ago when I was a Naval Submarine Officer while I stood by the fast attack submarine wharf at Charleston Navy Base where I was once stationed when I served our nation.

The particular wharf by which I stood could berth approximately 10 submarines if my memory serves correct.  While not all submarines were at their respective berths, I ruminated on why one had the Battle “E” (i.e. recognized as being the best), yet another had high morale problems.

These 10 or so submarines provided a unique crucible for me to reconcile my observation and come to my conclusion.  The submarines when each viewed as a stand alone entity were essentially identical. Each had the same number of sailors, give or take one or two, and each sailor went through a rigorous selection and training program before being stationed on board.  In short, one sailor could be easily exchanged with another (assuming rank and rate remained constant). So the question I asked myself if each complement of sailors was fairly consistent across all boats, why difference in performance.  It should be obvious here on this page as it was to me as I stood next by the wharf, the submarine’s performance was a direct reflection of its Commanding Officer. As previously told to me by a former CO with whom I had a chance meeting in the Pentagon while we each essentially fetched the proverbial coffee for the admirals running the show, a CO is king, king of his fiefdom.

I found that my observation has held true as life has progressed and I had the opportunity to analyze companies when I was a stock analyst. While a CEO does not have a fiefdom, she or he does wield considerable power that influences all employed. I think most would agree that my observation can be observed in how our Federal government is being run today.  The Kavanaugh nomination is a prime example.  Donald J. Trump (DJT), a documented misogynist and someone with questionable business acumen, nominated a jurist for the Supreme Court, who has demonstrated poor decision making as well.  Additionally, an easy-going southern gentleman, Lindsey Graham, has begun to rant and rave and we have David Nunes, who, too, was once easy going, jumped early on the bandwagon  to promote conspiracy theories and less than sound policies.

I recently purchased a t-shirt that has a picture of baby trump and the words, “Elect A Clown” and “Expect A Circus” similar to the one shown to the right.  I wore it about town yesterday and had fun enjoying the responses, which varied from stares by older white men to favorable comments from minorities and women.  Sadly, these responses were not unexpected.  I was even prepared for someone to verbally attacked me, but fortunately that did not happen.

In short, if you are frustrated like me, I encourage you to find a way to enjoy the circus in which we find ourselves.  More importantly, I encourage you to ask questions of yourself and those of others as a means to find common ground so we can begin to get out from under this mess (um, I mean big top).