Laissez-Faire: Does it work?
Written by Keith Johnson - Posted on March 3rd, 2010 - Add Comment 

The concept of laissez-faire is usually associated with the Republican ideal of “letting things be and don’t intervene.” Does this ideal really work? Well, after about five years of practice, I actually have some feedback on this. I went through a divorce in 2004 and so from that year on, I see my son on the weekends, primarily. So, during the week, he is with his mom and occasionally I help with test or quiz reviews, but that is it. Essentially, my son is under the authority of my ex-wife, who has done a good job raising him. So, the best that I can do to influence my son is through laissez-faire. In other words, all I can do is give him instructions and tell him that my instructions are for his benefit. If he fails to follow these instructions, then he is the one that will suffer. He is not punished for not following my instructions. Rather, he experiences the direct consequences of studying or not-studying, for example. I have seen my son mature quickly and I notice how he really listens to me now, especially after this five year period.
The business world is the same. We cannot micromanage each other. It simply does not work. People get upset and feel invaded. Rather, we need to work in a collaborative manner and offer positive guidance and instructions for others who share our path, whether it be in school or at work. If someone chooses not to heed positive advice, then he or she will bear the consequences of this good information. Like the old expression goes – you can lead a horse to water but cannot make him drink. Such is the mystery of life, progress, and working with others. Politically, I am a Democrat because I believe the U.S. needs a government to police corruption which could undermine entire industries and markets and I believe that all Americans deserve accessible health care of some kind. However, from the standpoint of work and how businesses operate, laissez-faire does work. So, friends and readers who are Republicans, I am giving you all this one concession.
Dad, if you are reading this post, this one is for you





































