Nobody can tell how Paul Wolfowitz felt when he stepped down as president of the World Bank. Perhaps, some critics inside the World Bank are overjoyed that he had finally succumbed to pressures. As gleaned, Mr. Wolfowitz did his best to resist these pressures but trying to atone for his misdeeds, but to no avail. Of course, the culprits are his girlfriend and the unique management style and strategies that he introduced when he took over the bank post.
Management studies showed that it is not always healthful and helpful for an executive to bring with him a baggage of trusted men because nobody can tell what they have in their minds. Although, this is not always the case. But in most instances, these trusted individuals tend to create an atmosphere that appears to be unwelcome to others, especially those involved in policy-making decisions inside the organizations.
Criticism is just part and parcel of someone who is at the top. No doubt about it. In this world, nobody is indispensable. Certainly, the proper way to avoid criticisms from left and right, is to behave and do things according to established rules. Still, there’s nothing much better than to sit down with peers as a matter of consultation. Politics inside an organization is a problem that only creates an atmosphere of indifference and skepticisms. More often, these things are ignored. Instead, they tend to do things that run counter to the accepted organizational practices. Hence, organizational misunderstanding occurs.
For someone who is appointed to a sensitive position, favoritism and immorality are frowned upon as they only show a weakness in a man’s character. And there is danger that policy decisions could be harmed due to ulterior motives or personal interests that get into the minds of top executives. The case of Mr. Wolfowitz is not remote from this possibility. A man’s actions are the results of his own making.
As the popular saying goes: "In every success or failure of a man, there is always a woman behind it." This is a good lesson for the new president of the World Bank.