Unintended Consequences and the benefit of critical thinking skills

Being one who makes policy is a difficult role.

The system and culture we are in is set up to encourage swiftness of action over the very real need to have well thought out and collaborative, consultative, design. This can create unintended consequences when it comes to policy, regulation, program design, and implementation.

It does not take a PhD to see that if the decision maker doesn’t have all of the relevant data from those that have to implement the decision (think lack of consultation or collaboration), or if they don’t think through the practicalities and actively look for (and listen to) the disagreement (the oppositional voices) that they won’t have the relevant data points to make the right decision.

There is an argument going that flexible working arrangements will set back the work that has been done in relation to gender equity in the work place - as the managerial styles tend to favour those that ‘are present’ for promotion over those that are working from home. I know this to be true - for I have seen this happen.

However; this is not an argument for removing the flexible working arrangements - but an argument for improving managerial capability.

Working from home provides so many social benefits to the culture, to society and to the employee and organisational wellbeing. It is human nature to look at difficult systems and it is our culture to look for easy fixes to complex problems.

Yet the ‘too good to be true’ fixes are often just that… they are false.

To ensure the good work of gender equity and fair pay continue, look not to reduce the working from home and flexible work arrangements - but look to increasing managerial capability to be able to manage and lead a diverse workforce. That is where the real gains will be made.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can better enhance your effectiveness in managing and leading diverse teams, please contact me! There is a path filled with insights for you that awaits - and your teams will undoubtedly thank you!