The impossible job
Who in their right mind would want to be head of BBC? The next manager of Manchester United. The Chief Executive of a organisation in the midst of a major corruption enquiry.The Director of child protection services that failed to take seriously the existence of a pedophile group operating locally. Answer, there is always some one. What does it take to take on the job no one wants? A a staggering degree of arrogance, a ludicrously optimistic outlook look , an unbelievable degree of naivety, an unjustified belief in one’s own abilities, a reckless all consuming ambition. It certainly requires self belief and confidence in your own ability. Resilience and determination will be essential to survive the scrutiny the post holder will receive as will a strong commitment to the cause. In short someone who thinks the job is worth the hassle. Ambition and the desire to make a big impact play their part. After all success where others have tried and failed is guaranteed to make your name. The ability to see past the headlines, takeout the hyperbole and identify what’s really wrong and how it could be fixed. Some innovation ideas you can pull out of the hat, some useful contacts and some trusted key people that you can bring with you would certainly increase your confidence and may be justify it. After all it’s not unknown for a Chief Executive to accept a post on the understanding they can fill the head of HR post with someone they have worked with before . Football managers often bring their whole coaching team with them. Often the would be new post holder believes they can win concessions from the board their predecessor was denied because now the board can’t risk another failure or recognises their role in past failure and wants to make amends.
They believe that no one will think less of them if it doesn’t work out after all it’s an impossible job.
Blair Mcpherson former Director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk
