What do your organization, our democracy and sports have in common?

They all depend on fair process for success.

No one likes to lose. But we can't always win. Our team is eliminated from the playoffs. Our candidate loses the election. We don't get the promotion we had hoped for.

We adjust. Life goes on. We try harder next time.

And yet, sometimes the inevitable losses leave people bitter, suspicious and whispering in the corridors.

Why aren't they adjusting? Moving on? Trying harder?

It's simple. They believe they have witnessed an injustice and the process is unfair. The referees are biased. The rules unclear. Too many decisions made behind closed doors.

A fair process is the critical difference between gaining acceptance and unleashing revolt.

• Understand how decisions are made - how goals are scored, penalties called, promotions received, strategies formulated, votes counted
• Know where decisions stand - on 2nd base, in the penalty box, awaiting trial, flashing red in the rear view mirror, in committee, improvements underway
• Trust decision makers to be informed and fair - unbiased refs, lawful judges, open and competent managers, informed resources, reasonable representation
• Have the opportunity to influence the process - elect new lawmakers, suggest policy and procedure changes, submit feedback on a superior

Without a fair process, we see things happening without cause, without due process, without fair warning, counter to the rules, and through manipulation.

Without fair process, no one feels they can win.

Without fair process, people lose trust and hope.

Without fair process, morale and productivity plummet.

Unsure whether your organization is seen as fair? See symptoms of concern? Need assistance in assessing or establishing fair process? Give us a call at 413-527-3737.

Feeling gloomy about the state of our economy? Take some time out to consider the benefits of a downturn:

• It's an opportunity to be confident and aggressive while your competition is cautious and regrouping.
• It's an excuse to quit doing business as usual. If you have felt boxed in by precedence or tradition, here is your chance to make a change.
• It provides the urgency often needed to examine age-old practices and the sacred cows of your business.
• It guarantees change and with change comes opportunity.

Push your concerns aside for a bit and focus on the opportunities. Where is the shift in priorities occurring? What will emerge with new importance? What needs will remain unchanged? What conditions must you weather and how can you make the most of them? What should you simply stop doing?

If you don't consciously seek the opportunities, you are likely to see only the obstacles you can't control. Some businesses will thrive and come out ahead. One of them might as well be yours.

Need help looking on the bright side? Give us a call at 413-527-3737.

Expect a miracle!
Then make it happen.
One small, concrete step at a time!

Best regards,

Ann Latham

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