Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Appeasement - good intentions gone wild
So, no answers? Anyone? Anyone?...Buehler? I guess I'll answer that first question myself.
So, how is management handling it? Using their favorite appeasement strategy – give more government assistance until there's enough to keep ‘em quiet. That's what high taxes are for, right? This same strategy used is by the Saudi royal family (and other arabic kingdoms) to keep the masses from getting uppity. Basic needs are met, not more. This gem of a system is what spawned Al Qaeda. Meet the basic needs - higher needs aren't our problem.
The trouble is, once basic needs are met, we automatically desire the next level (whether we’ve earned it or not). This is part of being human, and most of us will be happy to earn it, we just need the chance. Being held out of that next level will bring all kinds of unpleasantness. As a management strategy, appeasement is a short term play. Eventually, they'll want the next level. How much can you give away? It's best for all to include this population and let them earn it.
While the French government may have good intentions, the appeasement approach is flawed from the outset. They've been caught short with a growing segment of their populace. This is a good time to not be a French politician.
So, how is management handling it? Using their favorite appeasement strategy – give more government assistance until there's enough to keep ‘em quiet. That's what high taxes are for, right? This same strategy used is by the Saudi royal family (and other arabic kingdoms) to keep the masses from getting uppity. Basic needs are met, not more. This gem of a system is what spawned Al Qaeda. Meet the basic needs - higher needs aren't our problem.
The trouble is, once basic needs are met, we automatically desire the next level (whether we’ve earned it or not). This is part of being human, and most of us will be happy to earn it, we just need the chance. Being held out of that next level will bring all kinds of unpleasantness. As a management strategy, appeasement is a short term play. Eventually, they'll want the next level. How much can you give away? It's best for all to include this population and let them earn it.
While the French government may have good intentions, the appeasement approach is flawed from the outset. They've been caught short with a growing segment of their populace. This is a good time to not be a French politician.
