℞ for the Board: A Prescription for Success

Systems Management Institute Press · Jan 15, 2004

Poor judgment and bad decisions in the Boardroom have become the new epidemic, humorously termed “Optical Rectitis.” As Dr. Newkirk puts it: “When we cross our optical nerves with our rectal nerves, we get a crappy outlook on life.” Its symptoms mask a deeper plague, “Palpetis of the Punk,” which reduces the effectiveness of Boards and risks the well-being of Corporate Directors. The symptoms are everywhere - failed corporations, discredited executives, revolving-door management, public dishonesty, abuse of power, superficial strategies, and failed initiatives. Optical Rectitis erupts in small and large companies alike. Its onset begins with the germination of viral attitudes that gradually spread from one Board Member to another until the virus consumes the healthy resistance to ill-conceived strategies. Eventually Optical Rectitis erodes confidence in the leaders of major institutions and overcomes the well-being of Corporate Directors.