Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You take the blame.
During the media conference, questions are raised about the competency of the airplane fuelers that were recently hired by the airport. You say that you did not know about the accident-prone past of the fueling company before you hired them.
Another reporter asks who was responsible for hiring the new fuelers. The lump in your throat has returned. You take a long sip of water before you answer the question. You look straight into the reporter's eyes and admit that you were the one who recommended the fuelers to upper management.
You did it because you wanted to lower the cost of refueling the planes. This group offered you the lowest price for their services. You admit you should have checked their references more carefully, and you will soon interview new fueling companies to replace them as soon as possible.
The media are shocked and surprised at your honesty. For a minute they are actually speechless. They continue to ask you questions for another 15 minutes. When the press conference is finally over, you decide to go. You don't want to face your bosses. The next day as you enter your office, your secretary sends you directly to upper management.
You are pleasantly surprised they are not going to dismiss you, or even discipline you. They just warn you not to do it again. As it turns out, the media are treating the airport and the refueling incident in a favorable light due to your frankness during the news conference.
Managerial positions will always involve decisions of all kinds. Three come immediately to mind for airport manager Donna Fraser: "Purchasing decisions, budget decisions and staffing."