Downward Trend

He'd seen the organization go through several transformations. Unfortunately, each time it got worse.

Years ago, the place was internationally recognized as one of the leaders in its field but a succession of poor chief executive officers created enormous harm. On the surface, the organization looked strong, but behind the scenes was a level of mediocrity and conniving that would have been unthinkable when the team was at the mountain top.

When I spoke with him, he went over a list of people who'd fled the last two "regimes." It was a list of most of the best people in the organization.

Never underestimate the importance of personnel selection and don't assume that serious problems are obvious. A place can be hollowed out from within.