Critics or Detractors

Much has been made about the priority of people over the organization, about preserving people, and that, unable to fire volunteers you just have to deal with them. All of that is true but only up to a point. There are decision points where you must know that by refusing to confront an individual’s behavior you’re allowing them control over all change efforts. These are people who sometimes are in your direct line of authority (which makes their opposition really interesting) but have found a task that it’s thought no one else does as well or even wants. It’s their corner and they’ve backed into it. Their willingness and supposed skill is thought to make them vital to the organization’s ongoing movement and from this position of power they fashion a podium to pontificate about all that you and others are doing wrong. They, however, are safe because no one can fill their shoes. If you and the group are to advance one of two things must happen: the embedded person has to quit their dissension or quit the position. Neither will happen; the role of savior and counselor is too intoxicating. Besides, who will ever take their place. However, those who bluff shouldn’t be surprised when it’s called and call it at the appropriate time you must.