There is a story coming out about how the DDG-1000 series of Stealth Destroyers have been scrapped from production. At first, the US Navy officials cited the expense. Now, according to “Wired,” they have copped to the fact that the ship can’t defend itself. Its only defenses are “last ditch” quality, the type accorded cargo ships, aircraft carriers and Coast Guard cutters who become vulnerable when planes and missiles slip past the defense note posed by the other ships in the fleet.
At $5 Billion a copy, the DDG-1000 is a mighty loser. Had this been a private enterprise, and not the Navy, heads would be rolling. But as with most things defined as a catastrophe, the realization always comes too late.
So the issue is, really, whether you have employees that are building products that have no defense in the modern business climate? Have they been poorly researched? Are they lacking in the qualities that make them competitive in the current business market?
Even in good times, you can’t afford to be losing money on poor research and development. But in these times, when the economy is tight and credit is difficult to obtain, you must really discriminate on what you deem effective and what will prove ineffective or defenseless in the market place.
Look over the people working on these projects. Are they truly qualified? Did you check them out with professional reference checks and other employment background checks to ascertain their true capabilities? If not, then you had better. In fact, it never hurts to review all projects before they are too far down the road. Look them over, determine your business needs, and then compare these new products and ideas to you competition. Far too many businesses think they are on top of this game. Far too many are living the illusions.
Do background checks on your people and reviews on your forthcoming projects and services. Move forward on the ones that show promise and don’t be afraid to kill those that don’t. Remember, there are regrets and there are disappointments. And then there are embarrassing debacles when you don’t pay attention. So pay attention.
Check them out before you hire.
