
84 Diagnose the System
Archetype 4: Work Avoidance
As we discussed in part I, in every organization people develop elaborate
ways to prevent the discomfort that comes when the prospects of change
generate intolerable levels of intensity. For example, managers form a
new subcommittee that has no real power or influence to effect the pro-
posed change. Executives hire a diversity officer so no line manager has
to take responsibility for increasing diversity in his or her own depart-
ment. People blame external forces (fickle consumers, an unscrupulous
new competitor) for the company’s loss of market share. They change
the subject or make a joke when someone ...