This week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order requiring local governments to take the homeless off the streets when the temperature falls below 32 degrees. According to the order, this is to be accomplished by force, if necessary. I think we all applaud the Governor’s intent, but this is a prima facie example of making decisions without considering the law of unintended consequences.
I’m not making a political statement here. Some Republican could have done the same. Within hours of the announcement, those opposing the move came out of the woodwork. They were led by the Mayor of New York who said the requirement is impossible to implement and the ACLU who maintains it’s illegal.
Sadly, we expect to see politicians make these kinds of moves. But we need to take a look in the mirror as well. When was the last time you made a decision and then discovered that your emotion and/or impatience had resulted in actions or obstacles that thwarted the move from the get-go? I committed mine on December 18th. Most of the time, our moves are not a public as the Governor’s, but they still cost time, money and reputation. You can hear it around the office. “Remember the last time the boss decided that . . .?”
We all wish there was some sort of magic question or checklist to prevent mistakes like this. But there isn’t. All we have is our own experience and the input of those around us. More than once I’ve suggested to employers and when they want to implement a new policy, they should find the most manipulative people they know and ask them to find the loopholes. Think of the heartburn this will save.