What were they thinking? Unfortunately, the usual answer seems to be, “I guess they weren’t.”

Could these be the same people who tore into the auto execs for flying their corporate jets to DC to ask for a bailout? That was a bad idea too….. but, not a reason to go them one, two or five better.

The article linked below gives some details. Much of the trip is likely well justified. Still, there should be one standard for business and goverenment, or there’s no standard at all. The amazing thing is, why do these stories keep coming?

A tip from your Issue Management counsel – Any major expense event should be subjected to a quick and simple Issue Audit. What are the major components of the event, what is the purpose and what is the rationale for major cost items of the event? This is a great place to  apply my favorite Issue Management Rule – “If you can’t explain it to your mother, it might not be a good idea.”

I’m not criticizing any of the individual actions. I’m simply saying, “Make sure you can explain it…. BEFORE you do it. Before your reputation is under attack.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126092430041092995.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLEThirdNews