Numbers and goals drive our behaviour, not common sense

If you follow the debate in the Netherlands about biomass and the potential opening of two new biomass power plants, it demonstrates the perfect example of its drivers. It is all about numbers.

In this case the government is held to achieve an objective (expressed in numbers) and is not letting go of any opportunity to make its numbers. But where is the common sense?

More and more people realize that transitioning, even 'temporary', to biomass produces more CO2 emission than current available solutions and is creating ecological disasters at the source. It is also known that the EU, for reasons I do not want to go into, has decided to neutralize the CO2 emission for the use of biomass. This means that the switch to biomass is an absolute no-brainer if you want to achieve lower CO2 emissions (at least on paper)!

So what does this tell you as a manager? It is common practice you will get targets, mostly on a yearly basis. I think it is fair to say, that most of those targets will be achievable, albeit maybe challenging. Whatever the targets, even if you feel they are unrealistic and unachievable, they drive your behaviour, conscious or unconscious. Gradually they will become your point on the horizon as they determine your success (or failure).

There is a fair possibility you risk to loose your ability to apply common sense if topics have a direct link to your targets. Saying it in other words, if one of your targets is threatened because of a decision you need to take, it is very likely you will build your case solely to decide in favour of keeping your targets in sight.

Unfortunately, there is not some kind of miracle cure or solution to address such dilemmas. And in a next blog I shall also spend some time on the reasoning of targets and how to decrease the chance you get questionable targets.

However, I would like to emphasize all starts with recognizing there is a dilemma where your common sense and listening to your 'gut feel is challenged.

Subsequently, YOU decide, and nobody else, to let the numbers prevail or to accept one or more of your KPI's will not be met. Hopefully you decide wisely and not just for short term 'gain'. If you choose the first option, be transparent, explain your decision and take responsibility for it. People around you might not respect or agree with your decision, but at least they will not doubt your common sense...