Lame Ducks

Lame ducks are not found solely in the political world.

There are are plenty of lame ducks in the private and nonprofit sectors. Staff members carefully watch members of boards in the hope that undesirable actions can be delayed, studied, and considered until their advocates depart.

Leaders come and leaders go but the staff goes on forever.

Executives who give a sizable amount of advance notice of a resignation or retirement are sometimes surprised to learn just how quickly their power evaporates. "Are you still here?" is a frequent and chilling question. The answer is, "Yes, I'm here but my clout seems to have departed."

Others achieve lame duck status via a reputation for ineptitude. These sad souls are more than lame; they are the walking dead. They stroll the halls as associates who once were staunch allies duck for cover.

All need to understand an enduring rule of organization life: Be seriously present or seriously gone because it is no fun being in-between.