The Addictive Organization: Why We Overwork, Cover Up, Pick up the Pieces, Please the Boss & Perpetuate Sick Organizations
The title of this book alone should grab the attention of anyone who’s ever worked outside the home. If that’s you, it’s worth reading this well-researched and insightful book by organizational experts and authors Anne Wilson Schaef and Diane Fassel.
When you experience a loss of enthusiasm in your career and feel hamstrung by a system or a leader that has basically sucked the fun out of your work, it’s time for a change. Please know, this is not normal. Nor is it often the intent of leadership. Yes, these fun-sucker folks are in every organization, but they shouldn’t be so influential as to completely upend the culture or hold you hostage on a broken career path.
This has all the hallmarks of an addictive organization. I’ve worked for some, and I’m sure you have to.
Enter this book as a diagnostic tool and an inspirational turning point for positive change. The authors state in advance that this book alone is not the solution. Instead, it’s a jumping off point, and that’s integral. Why? Many times, people’s overwhelming enthusiasm when they “connect” with a success book, model, or system solution suddenly makes this way THE ONLY way. This is not realistic or fair.
The authors of The Addictive Organization recognize this. Therefore, they share their thoughts about books, including those they highly recommend and those that serve as cautionary tales.
Here’s the skinny on this book. A lot can go wrong when poor leadership and bad decisions run amok. Slowly, the organization becomes heavy and sick with an abundance of toxicity. Though you want to stay in your role, soon every moment of your time off is spent recovering physically and mentally from a draining environment. This addiction is unhealthy. The authors address how this pattern evolves and why it’s so challenging to walk away.
Now, imagine having open and safe conversations on this topic at work. With this book as a guide, it can happen and should! If everyone, from the top down, courageously explored the impetus behind the title of this book, that’s the first step in change. Admitting there’s a problem (or the potential for one).
The authors then delve into case studies, resulting recovery strategies, and positive outcomes when the unhealthy system is addressed. The tiniest of improvements can have massive ripple effects. I believe the authors’ goal is to spark honest dialogue and transparency, and to apply strategies that help stop or heal addictive behaviors.
I applaud all leaders who dare to read and discuss this book with their teams.
I would love to hear the outcomes.
Source: Purchased
Image Courtesy of Harper Collins Publishing
