When intuition isn't the right call ...

[woolly]

I'm looking some worldly opinions from the SDMB.

Situation: I work for a newly private company (a division spin off from a listed company). The owner is the ex CEO of one of Australia's 50 biggest companies. So he's got a ego slightly larger than the planet ... the ephalet "pompous" is often used. However, he's highly intelligent, shrewd, open to a good argument but is surrounded by "yes men".

We've recently had a couple of senior managers leave, taking significant chunks of the business with them. His initial reaction, to an extent understandable, is to tighten data security systems to the point where IMHO it will stifle the business. It also won't have the desired result anyway.

Now the board meeting to formalise this policy is tomorrow. My boss is the CFO/CIO who is present the board paper. He's wuzzed out and wants me to present the "No" case. Prick.

I'll have zero support in the meeting, except the knowledge that the owner will give a fair hearing. The rest of the board are handpicked toadies. Win the owner we're cooking with gas, lose and the argument will crash, burn and die an orphan. My job isn't on the line, but if the controls get ratchetted up, my function becomes bloody awkward.

Requirement: I've got plenty of meat to support the "No" argument. What I'm looking for is a hook. I am looking for a example/aphorism/fable to illustrate that sometimes the intuitive reaction is not the best reaction and may be counterproductive. It's got to be short and direct. Preferably well known rather than some obscure text. Ideally I'll use it to top and tail the case.

Any ideas?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[China Guy]

Well, if he is a businessman, and it sounds like he is. Make a one or two sentence sound bite business case along the lines of "this will cost you money because ..."

[Czarcasm]

Try to find examples of companies that have done what he is proposing to do, and show him the results. Opinions won't matter half as much as demonstrable facts will.

[Early Out]

Originally posted by woolly
... the ephalet "pompous" is often used.

Whatever you do, don't use the word "ephalet" in your presentation, since it isn't a word. I think the word you're after is "epithet."

[woolly]

Thanks for the comments ... for what it's worth, I put together a solid argument, pitched it well ... and got wiped like an oily rag.

bugger.

[ShadowWarrior]

Originally posted by Early Out
Whatever you do, don't use the word "ephalet" in your presentation, since it isn't a word. I think the word you're after is "epithet."

aaahh... I couldn't quite figure out what the right word should have been here. For some reason, my mind got fixed on 'epaulet' and I was imagining someone with really pompous shoulders....

anyway, sorry it didn't go well...

[Bongmaster]

My advise would be to know what the argument for will be, inside and out. If you know his side, then you will know his objections before he voices them, and you'll have counterpoints ready to roll.

Of course the best way to win a public argument isn't necessarily with words. You could incorporate some props, lights, and loud noises, that always impresses people.