We are often more certain than the evidence really allows.
More quotesThe chicken contributes something to breakfast. The pig has rather more exposure.
Corporate decisions are full of chickens advising pigs. A consultant recommends the restructuring and departs before the reporting lines begin screaming. Sales signs the adventurous customer; Support becomes the implementation plan. An executive approves an efficiency target while frontline staff absorb every daily compromise required to hit it. All parties are “committed”, according to the meeting notes.
Suffering does not make people wise, and distance can protect judgement from local politics. The useful distinction is consequence. Does the person shaping the choice understand what happens when it fails? Do they share enough of the downside to care about the complete result rather than their piece? Put rework, lost time, reputation and customer pain beside the upside. Give those carrying them influence before launch. Keep the sponsor attached after the applause, through the dreary months when consequences stop behaving like bullet points.
Skin in the game can create stubbornness as easily as responsibility, so it is no reliable holiness test. But advice with no consequence tends to become impressively brave. Before accepting another bold recommendation, identify who supplied an egg and who has been placed beside the frying pan.