Francois: Thank you for your post, and for finding your way back here. You’re quite right to emphasize the social element. It’s one thing for a person to exhibit psychosis (or just aversive behavior), but it’s something again when it infects an entire culture – whether we’re talking about one organization or business culture more widely. We end up with far too many scenarios like those Jennifer describes, when her efforts to intervene are judged, basically, as *unthinkable*. It’s mass dysfunction, and it needs mass-scale treatment.

Let’s all keep up this conversation so that we can be part of the cure, instead of part of the disease.

Thank you for expanding on my post. The book that I was referencing in the first place talks about a similar tragedy.

The key thing that most people do not realize is that this behavior is not based on individual behavior, but rather on social behavior. And while we can try to change it by appealing to individuals to change their own behavior, it will not change unless there is a social behavioral change – meaning that some fundamental social norms need to change. It is still individuals that will make that happen, but it just requires a different approach…

Food for another post soon…

Francois

I *hate* appearing “wrong” or “stupid”. Honestly, I think it’s my tragic flaw in some situations. But ironically, I’m also known for speaking up when everyone else is silent. I call 911 more than anyone I know. (I think I might be in line for some sort of gold star for civic duty.) I figure if I see something suspect or someone in need, it’s just good karma to call for aid. After all, wouldn’t I want someone to do the same for me?

In business settings, I learned to voice my concerns as questions, as a gentler way of pointing out issues. But I had a boss who told me that I challenged people too much and that “the world doesn’t know what to do with people like you.” She wanted me to funnel my passion into something “more positive,” which I think translated to “stop asking your superiors such hard questions!”

Stand up and speak up, people! If you don’t, who will? Do it in your own way, in your own style. But for everyone’s sake–including your own–don’t be afraid to rock the boat. The alternative is calmly sitting on a sinking ship.