Doug Cartland's Four-Minute Leadership Advisory
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by Doug Cartland
Doug Cartland, Inc.
01/21/2014

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Chris Christie burst onto my consciousness in the fall of 2012 when he hung with President Obama after devastating storms reaped havoc on New Jersey. I found him intriguing.

 

The republican establishment went nuts over his overt cooperation with the president. After all, it was just months before an election and Christie the republican was making Obama the democrat look good.

 

I liked that Governor Christie didn't care, that he was determined to do right by his state during an incredibly difficult time no matter what others thought.

 

Interesting. Maybe he was made of different stuff than most politicians. Wouldn't that be refreshing?

 

It still could be that he is, of course. But...

 

You know the story.

 

Two weeks ago it came to light that, in apparent retribution for the mayor of Fort Lee not backing Christie in his most recent election, Christie's Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Ann Kelly sent an email calling for massive traffic tie-ups at the George Washington Bridge.

 

Kelly has since been fired, Christie has acknowledged the insanity of it all, though has disavowed any knowledge of the scheme.

 

Now the investigations have begun. They will probably go on for years. So the people of New Jersey get in the behind twice. First, they had to sit in traffic jams that were the fruit of stupid, vindictive political pettiness. Second, they get to foot the bill for the investigations.

 

As I stated, Christie says he knew nothing and that he certainly didn't order it.

 

But here's my question...

 

Even if Christie didn't order it, why did someone in his office think it was okay to do it? Why did Kelly feel comfortable so cavalierly writing such a terse cynical email? Last August she wrote, "Time for some traffic tie-ups in Fort Lee."

 

And then, apparently without blinking, Dave Wildstein, a Christie appointee to the Port Authority of New Jersey and New York responded, "Got it."

 

This is a matter-of-fact communication that implies no handwringing, no second thoughts, little hesitation. It seems so business as usual.

 

So maybe Christie didn't order it, but his people somehow thought it was the thing to do.

 

Strong leaders set the professional and ethical standards for their organizations. With that, they have to live those standards, example them and preach them.

 

When a leader sets and lives to a high standard, typically they garner admiration and a passionate loyalty from those they lead. Their people know what those professional and ethical standards are and they fear to breach them.

 

When they have a choice before them they often ask themselves, "What would the boss do?"

 

Indeed, strong leaders make clear how they do business and how they expect their people to do business.

 

It seems to me that if Christie had set a high standard those that work for him would have been petrified to lower it. They would do anything to not make the boss look bad, anything to not bring embarrassment to the team, anything that would stain the reputation of the administration and the man who runs it. The bottom line? They wouldn't do anything the boss wouldn't do.

 

But in Bridget Ann Kelly and Dave Wildstein it seems there was no fear. And my question is, why not?

 

And if they asked themselves the question, what would the boss do...why was this their answer?
I'd love to hear from you. Reply to this email and let me know your thoughts. 

 

Sincerely,  

Doug

 

Doug Cartland, President
Doug Cartland, Inc.

 

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