The findings of the Iraq Inquiry at 2.6 million words (four times the length of War and Peace) take the meaning of ‘comprehensive’ to a new height and the gravity of the issues so great that it might also seem disrespectful to draw parallels in this blog for the way SMEs run their businesses. As someone who had a number of friends in the TA who were mobilised for the initial phase of toppling Saddam Hussein I know a little of the issues they faced not least in their fears as the war began, the lack of military equipment at the front line and the initial failure in the care of those returning from war.
One of the many findings of Chilcot is the muddle within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and that in some areas eg kit procurement, no one appeared to be responsible although many within the MoD knew that there were problems not least in timely funding from the Treasury to buy much needed kit. The problem was summarised succinctly as not “speaking truth unto power” within the MoD.
This is seen in many organisations from government departments to the smallest SME. Consultants, when they are brought in, are often constrained by what is acceptable to those who pay their fees. We are often told that a consultant or enquiry is ‘independent’ but is properly given guidelines for their work. As has been wryly observed trains have guidelines (rails) apart from which they can go in any direction! One of the qualities to which we at the SME Strategies Network aspire is bringing independence of thought to our work and naming uncomfortable truths but with the aim of enabling our clients to thrive.
In making recruitment decisions many of us do not initially think of former military personnel as potential candidates for our vacancies. However those who have served at the front line know much about objectives, strategy, risk, flexibility, trust, loyalty, integrity and courage. Chilcot had much to say about the failures of those in charge of the Iraq war – but he also bore witness to the excellence and bravery of our troops on the ground for which our nation is justly proud and to whom we owe our enduring gratitude.
David