At the organizational level, there are plenty of examples that suggest it’s a big problem. NASA’s Challenger and Columbia disasters and industrial accidents like Macondo and LaPorte share complacency as a common element.
But organizations don’t get complacent: it’s people working for the organization who get complacent. While anyone can fall victim, it’s not the least bit difficult to identify those most likely to come down with a serious case of complacency:
- Working in organizations with a long string of success
- Doing things they’ve done hundreds of times before
- Performing routine duties
Whenever you find yourself in situations like these, take it as a warning indicator: conditions are ripe for complacency.
Do that, and you’ll start to worry, which is the best antidote for complacency.
Paul Balmert
May 2017