The Consequences of an Organization's Failure to Prioritize: Lessons from the Denver International Airport and the Flint Water Crisis

In the realm of organizational management, the ability to prioritize effectively is critical. However, the challenge many organizations face is the constant need to tackle 'fires' or urgent, last-minute projects, often at the expense of long-term planning and strategic initiatives. This article delves into the disastrous consequences when an organization engages in an endless cycle of fire drills, using real-world examples such as the Denver International Airport (DIA) and the Flint Michigan water crisis.

The Denver International Airport - The Best Bad Example

The Denver International Airport serves as the quintessential case study of the perils of non-prioritization. In many project management classes, it is oft-cited as the prime example of the pitfalls of poor project management. The airport's construction was characterized by a constant state of dealing with unforeseen issues, with various departments and stakeholders frequently overcommitting to tasks that fell behind, creating a perpetual backlog of 'fire drills.' This unending cycle of crisis management severely hindered overall project progress and created an environment of chaos and disorganization.

The result of this mismanaged project was a significant increase in costs, a substantial delay in the project timeline, and ultimately, a project that barely met basic functionality standards. This failure to prioritize long-term goals over short-term fires highlights the importance of strategic planning and a clearly defined prioritization strategy. Just as a ship's captain must maintain situational awareness and navigate through potential hazards, an organization must ensure that critical tasks are completed effectively and on time.

The Flint Michigan Water Crisis - A Case of Consistent Overpromise

Few crises have had as profound and lasting an impact as the Flint water crisis. While the immediate attention was on providing clean water to residents, the underlying issue of the city's infrastructure and the handling of the crisis are equally critical. According to an article by Marc Persson, the state of Michigan was simultaneously working on 76 “priority projects,” a staggering number that left little room for comprehensive oversight and coordinated action.

These myriad projects, including the significant overhaul of their water infrastructure, often competed for limited resources and attention. As a result, the Flint water crisis persisted and deepened despite massive efforts to address it. This mishandling of priorities led to severe public health impacts and eroded public trust in government and public institutions.

Similar to the DIA, the Flint case demonstrates that without effective prioritization, organizations fall into a state of reactive, rather than proactive, management. This reactive mode often results in fragmented and poorly coordinated efforts, leading to extended crises and lasting negative consequences.

The Importance of Strategic Prioritization

The insights from the Denver International Airport and the Flint water crisis underscore the importance of strategic prioritization. Organizational chiefs of staff, project managers, and leaders at all levels must remember that not all fires are equal. Prioritizing well requires the ability to discern urgent vs. important, to cut non-essential tasks, and to focus on those projects and tasks that truly embody the organization's long-term strategic objectives.

An example used in many courses is how COs of staff often grapple with the reality of being the 'few on the ship's bridge' while others are 'below deck dealing with fires.' This analogy highlights the essential role that those in a leadership position play in maintaining a clear and focused direction, ensuring that the organization is well-prepared to navigate challenges and is not overwhelmed by crises.

There is no one-size-fits-all prioritization strategy, but several key principles can guide managers in making more effective decisions. These include:

Objective Setting: Clearly define your organization’s goals and objectives, and align all projects and initiatives with these goals. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and their impact, and ensure that resource allocation is aligned with risk mitigation strategies. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure that all perspectives are considered. Regular Review: Continuously review and adjust your prioritization strategy based on changing circumstances and feedback. Communication: Ensure that all team members are aware of the prioritization strategy and the rationale behind it.

Failure to prioritize effectively can lead to a spiraling of crises, where each new emergency exacerbates the previous one, leaving the organization in a state of perpetual crisis management. Conversely, a well-executed prioritization strategy can transform a reactive, fire-fighting organization into a proactive, strategic, and capable one.

By learning from the lessons of the Denver International Airport and the Flint water crisis, organizations can better equip themselves to handle complex projects and crises, ultimately achieving both short-term success and long-term sustainability.