Short-termism; the curse of the reactive

​The Chilcott inquiry put me in mind of the type of misstep public services are making in response to adversity; budget cuts, poor inspection result, poor performance. Brexit is symptomatic also. Short-term political aims and leadership decisions have unintended consequences. Lack of forward planning can create worse problems in the long run.

It is often too easy to simply aim for change which achieves short-term aims or corrects the problem in your face without considering the impact in the long term, or often even the medium term. You often hear the phrases “quick wins”, “low hanging fruit” etc. to justify behaviour, and there is a sense organisationally of the “gloves being off” when it comes to fair practices in order to meet these outcomes. Once started it is too late to correct and collective responsibility allows no-one to be blamed and no lessons to be learnt.

Mistakenly HR often try to argue for proper process, use of established procedures in order to regularise activity. This will be an unappealing viewpoint and therefore followed half-heartedly or ignored in full or part. The Trade Union position can also be tricky to navigate; they will rely on approved methods to best safeguard their members, even when they at odds with what individuals want.

The challenge for HR is the need to be creative and innovative, quickly amending process or procedure to satisfy the new landscape. Hold on to the principles which underpin the policy, ensure employment law is satisfied but cut through bureaucracy, shorten timescales, give options to short circuit for valid reasons. Better to take risks at the edges of the policy than breach fundamental rights or display unfairness.

Through it all the need for openness and good communication (engagement if possible) can help the organisation get to the other side with maximum people on board.  Be prepared to justify proposals and be challenged, do not fear the feedback it is best expressed loudly rather than whispered at least then difficulties can be faced and mitigated

Photo ​Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_dolgachov'>dolgachov / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

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