I don't really recommend doing what I'm about to talk about specifically, but use it to point out how one doesn't always have to give everything away in order to get things done.

Here in the Syracuse area, there's a company that's been building up money by receiving public subsidies and a commitment from the county for some money as well. They're plan is simple; they're going to help to alleviate the parking problem downtown Syracuse has by building 180 new parking spaces. Like many big cities, Syracuse ran out of legitimate parking for customers and shoppers years ago, which probably aided the decline of people going downtown to do any shopping whatsoever, unless they were looking for specialty stores. Even now, as a businessman who sometimes goes to early evening Chamber functions, sometimes it's difficult to find a parking place anywhere near the Chamber building.

So, on its surface, this plan sounds really good. But, there turns out to be a catch that was finally revealed earlier today. Part of this plan involves the elimination of 152 pre-existing parking spots. Therefore, this project, slated to cost $22 million, is really only adding 28 parking spots. And, there's no guarantee that all 28 of those spots would be available for public use.

I'm sorry, but as Dr. Phil asks often, did someone have "stupid" written across their foreheads when they decided to possibly approve this project? Since it was expected to take two years, just where did these Einsteins believe the rest of us were going to park by eliminating 152 parking spots for two years? Now that it's come to light, my hope is that someone puts a halt on this plan and saves the community money; talk about a white elephant project.

Still, it teaches a valuable business lesson. One can achieve some extraordinary things even if they don't have all the details figured out, or don't share all the details with others. When I was in management, I considered myself very open with my employees when it came to news about the organization, but I didn't go out of my way to explain all the thinking behind everything management wanted to do. I figured there was no need to get them agitated over things that hadn't happened yet, or probably weren't going to happen, but if there was a rumor or even some fact that another director had leaked out, then I would address it with them and give them my opinion.

Still, my motives were at least honorable. In this case, I think someone has tried to pull a fast one over on the city. I'm just glad someone else figured it out and has brought it to the public. It should be interesting to see what happens now.