Checks and balances

Checks and balances are an effective way to slow down (and overturn) the impact of any one far-reaching decision—a great way to prevent misguided behavior (and mistakes) in politics.

Workplace initiative? Not so much.

That’s because when something needs doing—when taking the lead and calling the shots can produce better than average outcomes—layers of bureaucracy often hurts more it helps.

Indeed, increased vigilance and regulated-agency tend to stifle creativity, innovation, and initiative. A bad call for any organization that hopes to save time, pivot fast, or disrupt much of anything at all.