Why the German government failed: The three main causes
They started out as a team — and then failed miserably. Why Because they ignored the most basic rules for high-performing teams:
1. Common vision and clear goals
2. Clear roles and responsibilities
3. Processes and procedures
These three factors are the main causes of team inefficiencies — in that order. The leadership and management of the Federal Government have failed precisely in these areas. The result: an obvious inability to overcome geopolitical challenges. Fair weather politics simply no longer work in a world that is in permanent disruption. We can no longer afford such policies.
An appeal to political leaders:
Mr. Scholz, Mr. Habeck, Mr. Lindner, Mr. Merz, Mr. Söder and all other democratic decision makers: Develop a vision of Germany first before arguing about the paths and strategies. The conversation your colleagues had yesterday at “Hart aber Fair” was pathetic and a prime example of how not to do it. If the democratic parties don't create a common vision for our country, someone else will — and that will most likely have disastrous consequences.
What can companies and organizations learn from this?
The central learning from “Why the German government is failing”-The example is clear: Without a clear vision and defined processes, every team fails — whether in politics or in companies.
Every organization is a Team of teams. If you want to be successful, stick strictly to these three rules:
1. Create a shared vision.
2. Define clear roles and responsibilities.
3. Establish robust processes and procedures.
Is that a guarantee of success? No But if you ignore these principles, you're bound to fail.
Especially in times of exponential development of AI:
Before you frantically implement arbitrary “AI enhancements,” develop your AI vision first. Otherwise, you risk investing huge sums of money — and failing in the end. Clarity and strategy must always come first.
A map is good. A compass is better.
