The Tragedy of 9/11, a Tale of Two Skyscrapers and a Lesson in Business Incompetence
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On September 11th, 2001, the entire world watched in collective horror as, in the span of several hours, thousands of innocent people were murdered and two steel and concrete icons came tumbling to the ground. It was the worst act of terrorism in American History.
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Eight years on, the new
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When given the job, those in charge of planning and building the new tower were tasked with much more than erecting a building. Those in charge, from local, state and federal officials, to the contractors and architects themselves, were tasked with defying the cowardly act of terrorism which necessitated rebuilding. Days after 9/11, vocal calls immediately went out that showing the terrorists that the site could be rebuilt quickly would prove that freedom, not they, could triumph. Amid the carnage, sorrow and heartbreak, speedy reconstruction would somehow honor the memory of the slain and bring back some semblance of normality, not just to
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How to Build a 100-story Skyscraper in 410 Days:
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Let’s flash back almost eighty years:
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On January 22nd, 1930, excavation commenced on the site where the
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In comparison to the snail-like pace at Ground-Zero, the difference could not be more stark, startling or depressing.
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Trouble at Ground-Zero:
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Due to infighting and acrimonious disputes between designers, investors and contractors, endless public debate as to the form and design which would best honor the victims, and many other procedural issues, the speedy reconstruction which was initially promised has turned into an utter and abysmal failure. What could and should have taken just a few years to complete will certainly not even be ready on the 10th anniversary of that horrible day. The proposed date of completion gets pushed back every few months leaving the families of the deceased and the public wondering when, at last, the
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Business Lessons Abound:
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Y’up, this is a business-blog, so as always we must ask, "what can we learn from these episodes?" I believe, as a small-business owner myself, that there are important lessons which can and should be applied to all businesses. Perhaps not many of us will plan, design or build a skyscraper, but these lessons are universal. Whether you build buildings, design the next generation of airplanes, fix computers or write resumes, it simply doesn’t or shouldn’t matter.
- In business, a promise is a promise! If you say you are going to do it, do it! If you say you’re going to build something, build it!
- In business, a deadline is a deadline! Deliver your product or service on or before the time which you have stated. Everybody has the occasional setback which can cause the occasional delay; a power outage, a flat-tire, a technical glitch. But keep in mind, endless, inexcusable delays are, well, inexcusable. And keep in mind, firm deadlines are firm deadlines. If your client needs a proposal for a meeting at 3 o’clock next thursday and you finish it at 5 o’clock, it will do very little good and the chances are next time the client needs work done, he or she will call someone else!
- Demonstrate your prowess, business-acumen, competence and abilities by fulfilling your promises and obligations. Your name and reputation are counting on it.
- Respect and honor those to whom you make commitments.
- Implement these steps if you hope for return customers, referrals, positive word-of-mouth and feedback, and satisfied clients and customers.
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Conclusion:
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As the days, weeks, months and years slowly pass, the world continues to look on in utter disbelief at the pace of rebuilding at Ground-Zero. Certainly nothing, nothing, can bring back the thousands who never imagined on that tragic morning that they were living the last hours of their lives on this earth. But a more speedy, efficient and vigorous completion of Freedom Tower will go a long way to bringing healing and the feeling that America and the world can triumph over terror.
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This debt is owed, not only to the memory of the deceased, the families, and the public, but also to the evil, heartless, despicable cowards hiding in their caves halfway around the world who watch what’s happening and believe that they have won.
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Dear Reader,
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