Principles for Dealing with an Issue

The “fiscal cliff” provides a national stage on which the Democratic or Republican party could demonstrate their skills and abilities for leading the nation through a crisis during difficult times. Given the starring role opportunity that this dramatic production offers you might think that someone in one of the parties could rise to the occasion and take on the leading role. But it seems that the current casting auditions have only brought forth political actors that are only able to mimic and re-interpret the same old styles that past politicians have displayed before; however, the current contenders for effective leaders are not even able to bring off those reprisal roles. Lacking energy, devoid of passion and replete with uninspired dialogue these inept performers are failing not only to put on a good show; they are failing to serve the public interests and to lead the nation forward.

Pivotal to these failures is I suspect that they don’t have the training or tools for solving problems in their own careers’ chosen arenas nor any other arena from which they can attempt to transfer learned skills. The absence of effective methods and techniques in our political leaders may not be that surprising in as much as the general public seems caught up in showing no recognition that our leaders are trapped in nonproductive, incompetent and uninspired routine approaches for dealing with the nation’s most important issue. Just like the politicians, the public and the media by and large seem to think that the most effective technique for addressing the issue is to blame the ‘other’ side.

In an effort to help our ‘leaders’?, here are a couple of rules that they can use to change the dynamic in the problem-solving or as they refer to it – negotiations.

First, open up the next negotiation discussion with an acceptance of “total and complete blame”. To help the other side get out from under the trap of seeking some way to make sure that they aren’t blamed for anything that has happened before, just tell them that “It’s all my fault. So no one needs to worry about whom to blame, or how to find someone to blame. Everyone can blame me.” This will either result in everyone being stunned and not knowing what to say, or someone may try and come to your rescue and state that it’s not all your fault. Stop that person immediately and insist that there is no point is further discussion on whose fault it is or isn’t, you are taking on that responsibility. Now this is where you follow-up with the next step in move the negotiations forward.

Now that the “blame game” is off the table (note: you may have to remind some folks occasionally that you’ve already taken the blame so let’s not go back there to revisit a resolved issue), you ask if the group can now agree to work together to find a solution to the problem. It’s the problem that is important after all, and that’s where the focus needs to be.

This is where the more difficult rule comes in. In working on the issue and the proposals and positions that are still points of discussion, the leader needs to step back and let people discuss and argue their various plan and recommendations for a little bit. At some point it will be clear that the group has either settled on a path forward or are still caught in some impasse. If they have a consensus then make sure you understand and agree with it, if you do then simply ask: “So do we have an agreed solution?” If you don’t support the decision then ask some well thought out questions to see where there are disconnects with your position. At this point it’s up to you to frame a proposal that will resolve those disconnects. If you can’t get a negotiated settlement then you need to consider how to offer an ‘If Then - If not Then” solution.

At this point if you know what you’re doing you have what you need and a solution.

A Promise, Not Some Inane Pledge

With Congress and the administration so bumfuzzled about how to achieve a reasoned and rational agreement (expressly avoided using the sane and intelligent ‘compromise’ terminology) for addressing the self-imposed fiscal cliff, the American public needs to stand-up for their interests and make a promise to themselves. While “failure is not an option” on the fiscal cliff makes a nice sound-bite, I don’t really have any confidence that Congress (the Constitutionally responsible player in this game) will find a way off the cliff. Therefore, I think every voter should make a promise to their self should Congress fail yet again to do what the country needs; that is Congress must take some action to address the crisis besides inaction.

Now I also don’t believe that Congress is capable or competent enough to actually take the right actions, but I do at least expect them to try within their limited abilities to make the efforts necessary to address the nation’s issues, particularly those that affect the economy is such basic ways. Congress must decide and deliver a federal budget, tax policy and a program reform plan to resolve the budget versus spending gaps caused by their approved budget. If they don’t or can’t do that then what exactly are our Congressional representatives actually doing for you?

So what is the promise that you need to make to yourself? Well, be they Democrat or Republican (or an Independent) you need to promise to not support, fund or vote to return them to office in their respective next election cycle. You should make it abundantly clear to any party official that you come in contact with that you will not and are not going to vote for that member. It’s ok to vote and support another member of your preferred political party if you are so inclined to what to be affiliated with a political party; but not the current member.

If you do make that promise to yourself, then you should convey that promise to your current representatives in Congress; be they a member of your party or not. Just like your employers would do at your job, you should let under-performing workers know that their jobs are at risk due to poor-performance but that with a demonstration of improvement their jobs might not be at risk.

This isn’t a pledge that someone else defines and dictates to you. It’s a responsibility you have to yourself. You decide, you assess and you act. You don’t give money and power to someone else who will use your influence to their ends. It’s almost like being a free individual who is willing to participate in their democratic process.