Committees and Ad Hoc Teams

Those who have read my book(s), know how I feel about study committees, ad hoc teams, and strategic planning with many stakeholders involved in the process.  The term I use to describe the results of these efforts is "sub-optimal".  They do not optimize anything, because they are compromise committees/teams that spend more of their time with word play than substance.

I have always found much to agree with in the writings of Robert Lutz, former Marine fighter pilot and President and Vice Chairman of the Board at Chrysler Corporation.  The following is my paraphrase of Lutz:

Committees and ad hock teams are rarely bold - they prefer safe, middle of the road discoveries.  They embellish compromise and consensus.  Consensus is the bane of optimization.  Harmoney and egos carry the discussions that are often dominated by one strong personality.  Senior leaders need unfiltered ideas and courses of action.  Committees and ad hoc teams defang good ideas.