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Thread: The right thing for the wrong reasons

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    The right thing for the wrong reasons

    I find myself on the horns of a dilemma, and I'd appreciate some input.

    I am being pressed to support something which is essentially the "right thing to do" but I know is motivated by the wrong reasons.

    I tend to put a lot of store in the underlying motivation behind any proposal, and not simply judge it on its superficial benefits. This is because I believe it is the motive that tends to shape the project more than the advertised benefits pushed forward to get buy in.

    Anyone got any gems of wisdom to share?

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    Expose the motivation in an effort to ensure transparency on both sides?
    Regards

    Debbie
    debbie@stafftraining.co.za

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    Dave A (04-Jun-08)

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Debbiedle View Post
    Expose the motivation in an effort to ensure transparency on both sides?
    Thanks Debbie. In this instance though, it will probably muddy the waters.

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    Dave A, are you worried about "doing the right thing" because you think it will encourage or endorse something which is manifestly the wrong, some truly evil motive? If so I would say don't do it. Peter Meakin

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    Dave A (04-Jun-08)

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    Is there a way to diffuse, or remove the negative underlying motivation, and still go ahead to reap the benefits? That may mean that it has to be put on the backburner for a while. A case of not throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
    [SIGPIC]Engineer Simplicity[/SIGPIC]
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    Dave A (05-Jun-08)

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Kinda tried slowing it down already, Duncan. With time, the negative drivers tend to get tempered. Unfortunately, the negative drivers are so strong they're not waiting.

    To use an analogy, they've already picked the lock and pushed the car onto the road. The question is whether to haul it back in on a "burglary" charge or let it run. Time is a luxury that is not available.

    Sticking to that analogy, so far I've pointed out that the wheels aren't bolted on very well, and the carb needs tuning, and we don't know if the brakes work.

    Right now I'm debating if it might be an idea to negotiate for a change in driver who isn't pounding fists on the dashboard, hooting the horn, and got the accelerator flat down as they try to run someone over.

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    With so little to work with other options that come to mind....

    Have sit in in front of wheels?
    Hijack the vehicle altogether?
    Cover head with both arms and wait for the crash?
    Regards

    Debbie
    debbie@stafftraining.co.za

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Debbiedle View Post
    Cover head with both arms and wait for the crash?
    Tempting! But not in my nature

    (EDIT: After realising I'd misread the sit-in bit) How about a seat in front of the front wheels. Think about it - mounting the driver's seat externally on the front of taxis might reduce their reckless driving. They would have to be strapped in, of course - so that they don't jump off just before the moment of impact.

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    You genius you!!! You have in one swoop saved this country millions every year in revenue PLUS made it a safer place to be!! I love it!

    PS! You didn't misread the "sit-in" I misspelled or is it misspelt? or is it got the spelling wrong? Eish!
    Regards

    Debbie
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    I can't take all the credit You inspired me

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