Story Analysis: Fifty Nine Story

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Fifty-Nine Story
Prepare a paper noting the major issues and commenting on the methods used to resolve these issues. Why was the solution successful? Does the solution seem realistic? Explain/Elaborate.
What would you do if you find yourself in a position that threatens your career, life, and business? Well, this is a question that LeMessurier had to grapple with after the Citicorp Center’s construction. LeMessurier found himself in the middle of a crisis that not only threatened him but also put the lives of hundreds or thousands of people in danger. As per the article, LeMessurier had to “blow the whistle quickly on himself.” It continues to say that this meant “facing the pain of possible protracted litigation, probable bankruptcy, and professional disgrace.” His world was in a way coming to an end after enjoying a period of fame where his ideas were thought to be supreme. However, instead of choosing silence or suicide which he admits were some of his options at the time, he decided to speak out and seek help in finding a solution to the problem he had (his team) had created. In the end, the danger was averted, and the building was reinforced which meant that his bold move not only helped save lives but also led to him being applauded for acting morally straight.
Major Issues Identified
One of the major issues was the design flaw that LeMessurier discovered in the building. Having already considered the quartering winds, LeMessurier had designed a building that he believed would be strong enough to withstand them. He had offered the option of using welded joints instead of bolted ones which he believed would be strong enough for the perpendicular and quartering winds. However, this was changed without his knowledge, and he did believe the change was justified. He acknowledges it and, in the article, it is stated that “even the failure of his associates to flag him on the design change was justifiable.” Before this, the article indicates that he thought the change to bolted joints was “technically sound and professionally correct.” However, as it turns out, he had been right, and his fears were confirmed when he found out that the building could not withstand certain winds.
Another issue within the article is LeMessurier’s dilemma. LeMessurier found himself with a crucial piece of information regarding the Citicorp Center building. This is a major issue because it had the power to jeopardize the lives of many people. First of all, there was LeMessurier’s career which would be dead if the news had gotten out that his design was flawed. Secondly, people could lose their lives in the event that the building collapsed. Thirdly, there was the reputation of the company itself which would have lost a lot of money in the event that either the building collapsed or the mainstream media got wind of the whole situation. These outcomes made LeMessurier consider s...