I ignore almost all of the news media. The reason is that the vast majority of news outlets act like the Titanic looking for an Iceberg: They are so in love with drama, that they move from (manufactured) crisis to crisis.
I have worked with several organizations who had adopted this unhealthy and destructive mindset as well: They realized that it kills creativity and strategic thinking. They wanted to change. The first step is always to start making a distinction between movement and achievement.
These are typical signs of organizations in love with drama:
- Senior executives only work smoothly together in times of crisis, but morph into a quibbling group of teenagers when things calm down.
- Promotion is based on the ability to fight fires, not prevent them.
- Being late for appointments and leaving early is a badge of honor.
- Bragging about having to work long hours.
- The quality of excuses is more important than the actual result.
- High burn rate of talent.
- Big words describing small problems.
- Rescheduling appointments is rampant.
If you recognize these signs in your organization, it’s time to grab the helm and change course.