Redefining Disagreement

Calgary's Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, has just demonstrated the fine art of redefining success on the way to an ultimate goal.  In his election platform, he promised broad relaxation of bureaucracy in setting up secondary suites.  In office, he startled many by introducing the big goal of authorizing secondary suites in every community.  Although he worked hard and visibly to achieve this goal in one step, his real mastery of achieving success showed this morning - the morning after what some people might have called defeat.  By quickly defining Council's decision to initiate a study as a "first down" and his goal as a "touchdown", he used a well-understood football analogy to inform citizens that the original goal is still desirable and realistic.

Managers are often charged with big goals on behalf of their organization.  Achieving instant agreement is impossible - otherwise it wouldn't be a big goal.  Working in increments is the only approach that works; however, that doesn't always mean taking very small steps forever.  The management art is to assess the internal political climate and to determine how bold a step can be taken; then, in the face of setbacks, to re-establish the big goal and recalibrate the remaining steps. Undoubtedly, before the vote in Council, Mayor Nenshi had his recalibration analogy ready, seizing the moment to keep the momentum going for his ultimate goal.