Organisations are filled with politics and organisational
games. Here are just a few that are common culprits for
stifling innovation.
An interesting
idea In a mild form, resistance can be as simple
as declaring that "I thought the ideas in your presentation
were really interesting". "Interesting" is the key word here,
because it is the word people frequently use when they want to
appear supportive and positive about an idea when really they
are indirectly resisting. We say "interesting" when asked for
feedback and we do not want to reveal our concerns and doubts.
"Interesting" can even be a euphemism for "your ideas are
rubbish and I will not support them".
Another Time
This is the tactic of
resisting an idea or suggestion by pretending that the timing
just isn't right (and at the same time implying that at some
future, unspecified date the timing may be better) "The only
thing wrong with your idea is the timing, come back in the New
Year and we will take another look" This usually means "no way
is this idea going any further!" Of course, the timing may
genuinely be bad but often this tactic is used for sabotaging
ideas that someone does not want to see implemented (out of
political self interest).
More Information
This is the
tactic of deliberately stalling a valid suggestion by
continuously demanding more information, hoping that the other
party will eventually drop the idea, or forget it. It is
entirely reasonable that before new ideas are acted upon, that
they should be researched and tested. It is good practice for
competent managers to ensure that bright new ideas do not
propel organisations into oblivion but this can go too far.
This is a convincing, 'professional' and deliberate viewpoint
that hides genuine resistance.
The Wise One
They have seen it
all and done it all before, and with their vast experience we
would be foolish to ignore their protestations when they say
it is a poor idea and won't work. We face an uphill struggle
against arrogance and ego, it is them or us! Note the key to
disarming such a person is that their wisdom is rooted in the
past. Times change.
Techno-Babble
The idea is challenged
on the scientific level and the resistance takes the form of
long winded, confusing, jargon filled explanations which are
presented as just being "helpful". They have seen it all
before (and have a pile of facts to prove it) and see no new
reason to go down a road which has already proved
fruitless.
One recognised, these ploys can often be countered or you
may just choose another course of action rather than waste
your valuable
energy.
October 2009 
