The Dead Horse Theory π
There`s an old metaphor often used in management to show the absurdity of certain decisions:
π If you realize the horse is dead β the best strategy is simple: dismount.
But in reality, organizations often do the opposite:
- appoint a committee to study the horse π
- buy a stronger bridle and saddle π
- create a plan to improve feeding for the dead horse π½
- hire consultants to analyze βhow to ride it betterβ πΈ
- benchmark it against other dead horses π
- increase the budget for the horse π¦
And weak management often adds another layer:
1. Refusing to admit mistakes π β doubling down on failed projects just because they were βour idea.β
2. Living in reports instead of reality π β as long as the slide deck looks good, the fact that nothing works is ignored.
3. Hiding behind tradition π° β βweβve always done it this wayβ feels safer than change.
4. Fear of losing face πΆ β admitting the horse is dead would mean admitting a bad decision, so they drag it out, wasting time and money.
π‘ The moral: resources get burned, people get frustrated, and progress stops.
Real #leadership is about recognizing the dead horse β and having the courage to move on.
