The need to rally all resources with “all hands on deck,” as they say, happens on occasion to even the most organized leaders. But when the so-called fire drills happen with frequency on a team, something essential is amiss and the consequences can be severe. The continual thrash created by last-minute work and the rush to complete tasks and projects demoralizes a team and burns people out.
I recall trying to express to a leader that working for his org was like a fire drill every day. Unfortunately, all I got was a promise that "once we get these few things in line, it will change". That proved untrue as it was part of the fabric of the culture. More unfortunate yet is that it took a burnout experience for me to leave. Older & wiser now. :)
I like a good fire drill when it is announced as a drill and there are reasons for it beyond "giving the crew a workout"
As a matter of fact, I like working hard for a leader who admits they made a mistake and we are working hard to make up for that oversight.
But as a leader, doing something like that as a tactic? -- no way.
Been there. Done that.
I recall trying to express to a leader that working for his org was like a fire drill every day. Unfortunately, all I got was a promise that "once we get these few things in line, it will change". That proved untrue as it was part of the fabric of the culture. More unfortunate yet is that it took a burnout experience for me to leave. Older & wiser now. :)