Symptom: People make promises that they know they cannot keep, and then juggle resources as best they can to satisfy everyone.
When put under pressure, it may seem easier to say "yes" even when you know resources aren't available that it is to say an honest "no." Of course, this leads to commitments that exceed available resources. To meet one commitment, people "rob Peter to pay Paul" and miss other commitments. As a result, the organization becomes untrustworthy.
In this environment, people feel pressured to work extra hard to make up for their overcommitment. This is not a one-time problem. So long as the culture tolerates saying "yes" inappropriately, the pressure will remain.
Root cause:Culture (integrity, i.e., trustworthiness) copyright 2024 N. Dean Meyer and Associates Inc. All rights reserved.
