Wednesday, October 10, 2007

[Efficiency/Blame] The Scapegoat Pattern

usage: use to improve efficiency and harmony by maximizing credit for victory and reducing blame in defeat.

description: When engaging in any activities identified as high-risk, identify a subordinate and task them with some high profile element of the activity. If the activity as a whole succeeds, take credit for choosing the correct subordinate and promote the subordinate. If the activity fails, call it a "shame," fire the subordinate and make excuses about trying to give someone a chance to prove themselves, gain some "visibility", and say something about how they "really seemed like a team player."

notes: This pattern is also sometimes (dishonestly) referred to as the "delegate pattern."

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