The Known Poor Practice

The known poor practice (and known poor performer) may be tolerated when the cost of improvement is deemed more expensive than the cost of poor performance. In my experience, the executives and managers making that calculation frequently fail to consider all of the results of their inaction and are especially blind to the problems of those who have to grapple with the marginal practice or performer.

"If only the czar knew" is a grand lament from history. It could more accurately be said, "If only the czar cared enough or were competent enough to make a serious effort to correct the problem or replace the person."

But that's not as catchy and it misses the indifference which can be knowingly embraced when one is unaffected by the negative. A famous management maxim is "That which is rewarded gets done." When the reward of inactivity is less hassle, bet on inaction winning the day.