Since 1830 farmers have been trying to protect their sheep from parasites by dipping their whole flock in troughs of fungicide and insecticide. At the time it was innovative, quick, compulsory and cost-effective. Over time, however, it’s become clear that this well-intentioned process has not eradicated the targeted diseases and has proved toxic to many of the people working with it (not to mention the costs to the environment).
Are modern companies stuck in 1830?
I see the connections between real sheep dipping and the metaphorical sheep dip approach so many companies take to training and organisational change. Every year organisations spend billions on top-down culture change initiatives and on large scale training programs. Over half of them fail to achieve their aims.
There’s money in sheep dip
You just have to see the offices of the world’s most “successful” consultancies. The sheep dip approach appeals to the command and control impulses that linger in many boardrooms. These programs show the outside world that “something is being done,” whilst being a lot less scary than addressing how leaders are leading through one to one executive coaching.
The sad truth is many organisations – and by that I really mean the people in charge – don’t really want to change. I have a check list here for you to see if you are inadvertently working for an organisation like this.
Many companies have dumped the dip approach for something better
Fortunately, there are courageous, far-sighted companies out there who know that dipping is not the answer. read more…
Moyra Mackie
Moyra Mackie helps leaders and teams to work with courage, compassion and creativity. She is an executive coach and consultant and the founder of Mackie Consulting.
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