Incestuous Amplification and the California Governator
What happened to Arnold?
Back in January, the California governor's approval rating was at 62% - this week he was handed a decisive kick in the political crotch when all four of his personally endorsed special ballot initiatives went down in flames.
I'm not going to argue the pro and con of the ballot measures, but I can't help but comment on what must have led to the overwhelming failure of Arnold's agenda.
There's only one way a team with such good numbers in January could land so hard and fast in November. They paid FAR too much attention to their own PR.
- It's called Incestuous Amplification - when a group of people with similar opinions and interests exclude contrary views they have a tendency to arrive at outrageous conclusions regarding their own beliefs.
Is there a lesson in this for your organization? If you're not getting REGULAR contrary input - you are destined to join the Governator in a feast of humble pie.
5 comments:
Another term for Groupthink? Yea, a big problem. I often wonder if Bush has the same problem. Definately not good for a 'Fool'.
The term "incestuous amplification" was first used to describe the Pentagon's close-minded approach to the Iraq situation. By not allowing differing views, they amplified their own fears into an irreversible frenzy. Good catch.
maybe mr governator thinks that he needs another version of terminator. You know when we beccome elated with absolute power we easily think for the masses,as we assume that majority means that atimes all the fools are on the same side.
Good lesson for all of us - never become drunk with the wine of our own "greatness."
Or - don't stare too long at your own image in the mirror.
Old Carly Simon tune - You're SO vain, you probably think this song is about you.
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