Aggression is the most common behavior used by many organizations, a
nearly invisible medium that influences all decisions and actions. What is
not recognized is that aggression is one of the greatest barriers to
thinking clearly and working well together during this difficult time.
Aggression is evident in the consistent use of war and sports metaphors.
There is constant use of these images as we "bring in the big guns,"
"dominate the field," plan "a sneak attack," or "rally the groups."
Organizations today suffer from a severe disability when it comes to
solving problems. In virtually every organization, regardless of mission
and function, people are frustrated by problems that seem unsolvable.
Every attempt to resolve a problem results in unintended consequences that
dwarf the original one. Relationships worsen as people harden into
opposing positions, each side insisting on its own solution, unwilling to
consider alternatives. Too many problem-solving sessions become
battlegrounds where decisions are made based on power rather than
intelligence.
And organizational aggression is on the rise, mirroring the societal
trend. Competition has become increasingly ruthless with strategies that
aim to destroy competitors and achieve total market domination, rather
than former strategies of co-existence within well-defined niches. The
resurgence of command and control leadership is a less obvious but strong
form of aggression, where the will of one person is imposed on others with
the demand for obedience and compliance.
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