Page Title

The Eleven Commandments of Organizational Paralysis
(Or How to Put Mavericks in Their Place)

May 24, 1999

* "That's impossible."
* "We don't do things that way around here. It's too radical a change for us."
* "We tried something like that before and it didn't work."
* "I wish it were that easy."
* "It's against policy to do it that way."
* "When you've been around a little longer, you'll understand."
* "Who gave you permission to change the rules?"
* "Let's get real, OK?"
* "How dare you suggest that what we are doing is wrong!"
* "If you had been in this field as long as I have, you would understand that what you are suggesting is absolutely absurd!"

Reference: Finzel, H. (1994). The top ten mistakes leaders make. (p.71) Victor.

How many times has someone said these things to you? Do you use some of these lines when working with someone with new ideas? Be aware of the words you use when others are offering new ideas. Don't paralyze your organization.

· Be sure to visit our website www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~leaders to see what
leadership resources are available on loan.

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Created: 2009-01-06, Updated: 2009-01-18