Written by: Vickie Sullivan | February 13, 2018
How to Spot a Bad Idea
Wow. There are so many lessons in this cautionary tale about when consulting advice goes horribly wrong — “Secret Documents Reveal How the Berkshire Museum Manipulated Its Board Into Liquidating Its Collection.”
But let’s dive in anyway.
Move past the environment — the art world isn’t the only place where folks get bad consulting advice. This can happen to any of us who hire outsiders to expand our business.
Two things we must pay attention to:
• The comparisons. Check out the scenario summaries chart, especially the language and positive reinforcement for the silver plan. Look at what is missing in the comparisons: the cost and the mission. The consultants here position the sale of art as a foregone conclusion — as the only solution. When someone goes to the “only way out,” question the assumptions. Ask yourself: What is the dark side? What is missing here? Remember, those who control the choices control the outcome. And that person needs to be you, the decision maker.
Listen: How (and when) to have the “options” conversation
• The labels. Note in the chart how the current condition was labeled “unsustainable.” Well, who wants to be responsible for that? Also check out the plans names: opening bid, bronze and silver plans. No bias there, huh? My vote: Ignore the labels, and look at the direction.
My take: Advisors don’t set out to give bad advice. They do, however, give skewed ideas based on their agenda. (In my opinion, the director wanted this and TDC complied.) It’s up to you to notice when you are being “sold” and to ask tough questions — before you make decisions that will impact your business for a long time.
Many thanks to alert reader Marcia Yudkin for passing this story along.
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