Was the passing of the Bailout Package the right move? Did either McCain or Obama believe it to be? What will be the final outcome? More importantly to them - how will their vote affect their careers? The reality is that for their personal good, NEITHER should have voted for it!
DISCLAIMER - THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT TAKE A STANCE ON THE VALUE OF THE RECENT BAILOUT PACKAGE. THIS IS TO SHOW HOW YOU MUST SERIOUSLY CONSIDER YOUR PUBLIC STANCES IN BOTH YOUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LIFE OR YOU MAY FIND YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS CAN REALLY HURT YOUR SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.
Here is why for McCain.
Everyone in Congress knew that some kind of bailout would go through. Therefore whether McCain votes Yes or No, it would still pass. So:
If McCain voted “Yes” and:
The package works – he is lumped in with everyone else – no big deal. In fact, some would criticize him because of the “Pork” in the bill that he voted for.
The package fails – he is punished because he was wrong, had bad judgment and wasted the taxpayer money.
Little upside, and big chance for downside - bad idea!
If McCain voted “No” and
The package works – the whole thing is basically forgotten because things are better and we can focus on other matters. If it does come up he can stand on his ethics of “NO PORK” that’s why it was a bad bill. Some would still praise him.
The package fails – he gets to say “See, I told you so.” He is seen as a cost cutter and true statesmen who cares about the American taxpayer. His next idea has automatically more merit.
Little downside and chance for big upside – the better choice!
Here is why for Obama.
Again, everyone in Congress knew that some kind of bailout would go through. Therefore whether Obama votes Yes or No, it would still pass. So:
If Obama voted “Yes” and:
The package works – he is lumped in with everyone else – no big deal. In fact he may be criticized because of the “Corporate Welfare” in the bill that he voted for.
The package fails – he is punished because he was wrong, had bad judgment and wasted the taxpayer money.
Little upside, and big chance for downside - bad idea!
If Obama voted “No” and
The package works – the whole thing is basically forgotten because things are better and we can focus on other matters. If it does come up he can stand on his ethics of “No Corporate Welfare” that’s why it was a bad bill. Some would still praise him.
The package fails – he gets to say “See, I told you so.” He is seen as a cost cutter and true statesmen who cares about the American taxpayer. His next idea has automatically more merit.
Little downside and chance for big upside – the better choice!
Their handlers were not thinking clearly. Both candidates could have told key party members privately that they support it, but need to back away because of the election. No issue. Is this always the way? No, but they should have considered this situation very carefully.
So, how does this affect you? You MUST draw a clear, solid, thick line in between your stances in public and behind closed doors. You MUST also take a stance, NOT only on the issue, but on the relationships involved.
Business Example 1 – You know that the CEO and CFO are going to move forward with a plan for the company that is bad. Should you say so at the weekly meeting? Many would say companies do not need YES-MEN, so you should stand up. In addition, you want to be on the record in case things go badly. THIS IS COMPLETLEY WRONG! If you have a problem, go to the CEO and CFO separately and in private and express your concerns. In the meeting nod your head and smile!
If you speak your mind in the meeting and:
The plan fails – even though you were right, you’ve embarrassed your bosses. You can announce “I told them so!” to you NEW boss as you get passed over for a promotion or you can tell your career counselor at the unemployment office.
The plan works – you’ll lose all credibility in the future and your career at that company is now stifled.
LOSE – LOSE! Put your ego in your pocket!
Business Example 2 - You are part of a team of managers under a Director. You are all competing for promotions/raises. One manager has an idea to move the company forward. If it is risky at all, you may want to be against it unless you are really confident that it will work.
If it works, he’ll get credit anyway and you’ll need to find an excuse and then create something great yourself. If it fails, you can now move your agenda forward, because you were right.
Family Example – Your significant other gets into an argument with someone at a store. You saw it start and KNOW that he/she is completely in the wrong. The right thing to do is to try to talk it out, get your significant other to see what really happened and clear it up maybe even with a n apology.
If you don’t and try to “make it right”:
She/he finds out that she/he was actually wrong – They feel dumb in public and you were the messenger. Oh yes, we love to shoot the messenger. You can “feel good” by yourself since you won’t be talking at all on the way home!
She/he finds out that she/he was actually right – Hopefully you have close friends, because you’ll be sleeping with them that night! They will feel completely betrayed and that “sting” will last a long time.
LOSE – LOSE! Put your “righteousness” in your pocket.
As silly and simple as these sound – WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES LIKE THIS!
The most important idea to remember here is NOT whether the idea or argument is right or wrong, but what will the outcomes be when you take a stance. Otherwise, we as humans are prone to try to “Be Right”. While that sounds great, it will ensure that we will have poor relationships.
The true secret to a successful life is good relationships (business and family). So lets’ do what we can to be successful.
Good Luck!
Larry
