This Week's Herman Trend Alert

Nail-Painting Robot Coming
to a Salon Near You

 

  The Herman Trend Alert

January 12, 2005

Avoidance of Confrontation

Clients and other subscribers have noticed that a significant number of people avoid confrontation in the workplace. They are reluctant to ask for increases in compensation, more training, or different job assignments. These employees would rather change employers than risk the resistance or negative consequences from bosses that may not support their requests.

People who see things that are wrong are hesitant to point them out. They fear the repercussions of whistle-blowing, so they simply say---and do---nothing. When they become too uncomfortable with ethics violations, quality deficiencies, or sick cultures, they leave their organizations rather than raise issues or take corrective action. While we hear inspiring stories of people who have won awards and recognition for taking the risks and raising the alarm about financial irregularities or compliance violations in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, many employees who discover problems look the other way or leave the offending organization. The consequences for those who suffer as a result of their silence can be enormous.

When suppliers fail to meet customer expectations, the customer representatives let the problems slide or ignore them. They do not stand up for the company, protecting the company's interest, to insist that suppliers meet the required standards. Many consumers exhibit the same behavior, not informing retailers when they're happy and when they're dissatisfied.

The danger of this avoidance trend is the power gained by people and organizations that engage in harmful practices. On a very local basis, supervisors---and even front-line employees---who are incompetent are encouraged to continue their inappropriate behaviors. Valued employees and customers leave, damaging the company, school, or government agency. They develop negative attitudes, their expectations are lowered, and this trend pushes our society to a lower level of achievement and progress.

Take the trend to an international level and terrorists gain power and control because people fear the risks of resistance. This example may stretch the issue of avoidance of confrontation and almost sound like we encourage aggressive defense. We take no position on this matter, but use the global perspective to relate to terrorist behavior in the corporate setting.


© Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurist. 1.336.210.3548 or https://hermangroup.com. To sign up, visit https://HermanTrendAlert.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."

HEAR JOYCE SPEAK TOMORROW AT 11:30 AM EDT
Tomorrow morning, Joyce will be a Fireside Chat Speakers at the Brightside Business Women Empowerment Virtual Conference where she will talk about how business women can use the insights from her new, groundbreaking book, EXPERIENCE RULES, to be successful. Register for FREE at https://brightsideglobaltrade.org/women.

GET COACHING FOR YOUR PEOPLE FOR LESS THAN $1/DAY!
Gain access to dozens of coaches for the same low price. Find out more by visiting https://ingomu.com/joyceg

JOYCE IS ON THE RADIO EVERYDAY NOW
To listen to Joyce's TV shows on the radio, simply visit RadioFutures.com. Joyce's show is streaming every day at 3:00PM Pacific Time.

To read this Herman Trend Alert on the web: https://hermangroup.com/alert/archive_3-29-2023.html.


Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers.

New subscribers are always welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is read by over 30,000 people in 90 countries, including other websites and printed periodicals. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert.

Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Herman Trend Alert service.


Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert
View this week's Herman Trend Alert
Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


[ Home · About · Products · Resources · Media ]

 

7112 Viridian Lane
Austin, TX 78739
Voice: 336-210-3548
Toll Free in US & Canada: 800-227-3566
E-mail: info@hermangroup.com


  © The Herman Group. All rights reserved.

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.