I
wish I could claim I was immune to procrastination but I am guilty and
in most cases or situations, it’s not a significant issue. However, when
catastrophe strikes, this is when the rubber meets the road. This can
lead to panic, scrambling and even overreaction. Chronic procrastinators
work to find others and place the blame on their shoulders. Another
kind of procrastination is “kick the can down the road for others to
worry about.”
Elected officials are masters of this tactic. The
reasons are simple: they have limited terms in office, with current
budgets that need to look good to the voters to keep them in office. The
tough choices with decisions for the future are not likely to win them
favor with voters, taxpayers or their constituents. An example of
procrastination or “kicking the proverbial can” is a dam that fails.
While a catastrophic collapse is not a typical occurrence, the reality
of outdated equipment or neglecting the lifespan of a facility is
genuine and all too common.