While everyone is busy dressing up like ghouls and goblins, I thought I would share what I believe are a few truly scary ideas that business and non-profit organizations believe and perpetuate.
The (mad) genius and his assistants. It’s not just Dr. Frankenstein and Igor, it’s gone into our thinking of how we should run an organization or team: Get one really bright, possibly evil, genius and surround him with people who will listen to his every demand and act accordingly. This idea is dead, or dying, and we should let it go to it’s grave. Instead, let’s build teams of brilliant, A-type players, all with their own complementary strengths.
The Living Dead. It seems like organizations believe in keeping zombies, people who are alive, but walk through their jobs as though they were dead, employed. We need to drive a stake through the heart of this myth. Fill your team with people who are full of life, excited about what they do, and ready to take initiative.
Vampires. For some reason organizations believe we must have vampires around to suck the excitement out of any good idea that comes up within an organization. Afraid of trying new things, these folks sink their teeth into anything that might challenge the status quo and bring change.
These are just a few of the truly scary myths that organizations are frightening us with this Halloween. What would you add to the list? What do you think of these trends?
David Curry
