A Post Office Scandal

Poor is the worst a situation can get—or is it?

As we’re finding out this week, the Post Office scandal is redefining everyone’s definition of poor. Not just from the Post Office, but from Government representatives, lawyers, technology partners and others involved in the scandal. Quite simply, it’s beyond poor.

I’m trying to come up with a word, or phrase, to describe the situation. (I’m sure you can think of a few).

One of the key skills to leadership is learning how to avoid setbacks. And one of the ways we do this, is to agree that poor is the worst a situation can get. Poor is unacceptable. It’s a place where we don’t want to go. But it requires all stakeholders to agree that definition. And ensure systems are in place that allow us to call out poor—fairly. At the Post Office, this hasn’t been the case.

Dealing with the facts. Establishing the truth. Making decisions based on new evidence—even when the facts change. These are a few lessons in leadership. But also doing the right thing. Why is this so hard?

Alas, at the Post Office—leaders—at—every—level—have been caught up for too long—doing the wrong thing. An example of toxic leadership is playing out on our screens.

(So much more on this story will follow.)