A recent job vacancy created the opportunity to rethink the position but instead of addressing that prospect, a long-term employee was appointed to the role. It was certainly the expedient way to fill the job and the learning curve will be less than with any of the other candidates…
…but the growth curve will likely be less too. By focusing on the short term, the supervisor forfeited the chance to reimagine how the office could be structured and opted out of infusing the work with a new perspective.
Time pressures too often get in the way of addressing the systemic issues that are important but not urgent, but this results in continual emergencies and fires to put out because the important is never addressed. Whether it be for personnel vacancies, major purchases, or integral operating procedures, consider the broader implications of the decision you are making.
Problem quickly solved for today; opportunities lost for tomorrow.
