[T.B. Yoits]

An important job for direct line managers is also to let bad ideas die in a way that doesn't create chaos in an organization. That's hard to do with remote workers.

It's the reverse. By far, and by far I mean incomparably far, the worst ideas I ever saw originated and directed were in verbal meetings where no one was going to say no to an incompetent and petty boss. I saw millions of dollars and thousands of man-hours get wasted away. I watched staff of entire departments leave for other companies, often competitors, because they knew it was going to fail spectacularly. I witnessed entire companies go under because no one was going to put the brakes on such bad ideas.

Now, if it can't stand scrutiny from being put on paper (digital of course) and reviewed across various teams, it doesn't get started at all. It's amazing, and relieving, to witness the increased level of accountability.

[blackdog]

You're lucky. Most organizations don't behave that way. Most run on emotions, style, and corporate politics above a certain level. Metrics are your friend until you cross paths with the "Because I Say So" gang of junior vice presidents.

Then your metrics become a boat anchor around your neck. You can be right and ethical, but that may not be how the junior vice presidents club measures you?! They risk assess you. If you can be a risk to them, you're gone. If you're agreeable and do as told, they value you. Results are not important.

Which also explains so many failed companies and so many regime changes at a company.