“The cobra will bite you whether you call it cobra or Mr Cobra” (Great Work quote)
“The cobra will bite you whether you call it cobra or Mr Cobra.”
~Indian Proverb
Don’t get me wrong: There’s a place for respect.
But in organizations, there’s this entanglement between hierarchy, respect, fear and compliance.
Great Work is a counter-cultural act. That’s what makes it difficult, challenging, vital.
Who are you showing too much respect?
- One wonders what would happen in a society in which there were no rules (Great Work quote)
- “It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin…” (Great Work quote)
- Ken Petersson, Global Vision and Local Performance
- “Let’s blow their little minds” (Great Work quote)
- First call for new Coaching for Great Work program leaders
Posted in organizational culture
Tagged compliance, counter-cultural, fear, hierarchy, questions, quotes, respect, rules
Oh, this timing is soooo perfect. I just had a long conversation with a colleague about this topic and how we volunteer away our integrity and our power to certain people under the guise of being nice… or playing the game… or keeping our best interests in mind.
Michael, I’d love to read an example of this working out without getting DISrespectful. We can engage and be counter cultural without debasing another’s dignity… right?
Nancy
Lovely comment, Nancy – thank you.
How do not be disrespectful? Good question. I think there’s much to be learned in “how do I say no in a way that can be heard and is clear.”
Two refclections and one question came to my mind:
Do not blame cobra.
Do not take it personally.
By whom around might YOU be seen as cobra or Mr.Cobra?