Was it the bureaucracy that added the 'no business with a downstream contributor' checkbox to the login screens, Matt?
This is not just an open source thing, or a Wordpress thing. I've seen it in nonprofit operations where committees take ages to make simple, sensible decisions (and sometimes still get it wrong!).
I suspect it's an issue in large companies that operate by consensus or are hidebound to authority and protocol. How many large companies in Silicon Valley make a point of saying they want to "move like a startup"?
It was an interesting insight: While department hierarchy must be respected, it shouldn't be organisationally rigid to prevent inter-departmental, inter-disciplinary learning. Lower ranking sub-units should also be given more freedom to make independent decisions.
Leader create more / new leaders. That isn’t happening. MM has only himself to blame
Regarding the main story’s point, I think the original concern raised (the committee balked while a paid employee got lightning-quick approval) is correctly addressed by focusing attention upon consensus-based project management as a defect in short- and medium-term work. It’s the right approach for long-term work — otherwise you get yanked around as priorities shift in the wind by a shifty leader (see also Tesla) — but it’s the wrong approach for making any decisions in less than a year of consideration.
We? It’s not we. When leadership speaks it should be accountable (<<< edit. Fixed autocorrect error) If not, by definition, that’s not leadership. This isn’t the first time - nor will it be the last - MM shamelessly shows his true colors.
Mullenweg has created a culture of groupthink. But that’s what cult leaders do… Surround themselves with “yes’ers.” He’s upset because his gaslighting has run its course and there’s a lack of new cult members willing to drink his Kool Aid. He’s upset cause he’s loved to beat the quantity drum (read: market share) and now the market is finding quality elsewhere.
Sadly, this won’t be his last rant.
