Discussing the Undiscussable: A Guide to Overcoming Defensive Routines in the Workplace

William R. Noonan

ISBN 10: 0787986321 / ISBN 13: 9780787986322

Published by John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2007

About this Item

Discussing the Undiscussable Since his 1990 landmark book Overcoming Organizational Defenses, Chris Argyris has extensively researched and written about how well-meaning, smart people create vicious cycles of defensive behavior to protect themselves from embarrassment and threat. Num Pages: 288 pages, Illustrations. BIC Classification: KJW. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 234 x 180 x 20. Weight in Grams: 514. . 2007. 1st Edition. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780787986322

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Discussing the Undiscussable: A Guide to Overcoming Defensive Routines in the Workplace
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0787986321
• ISBN 13: 9780787986322
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Since his 1990 landmark book Overcoming Organizational Defenses, Chris Argyris has extensively researched and written about how well-meaning, smart people create vicious cycles of defensive behavior to protect themselves from embarrassment and threat. In Discussing the Undiscussable, Bill Noonan enlivens the scholarly work of Chris Argyris through the use of reflective exercises and easy-to-read chapters that illuminate the basic human experience endemic to the creation of defensive routines. This book offers hope for altering organizational defensive routines by leveraging the greatest opportunity for change―the way we think and act.

Discussing the Undiscussable provides a set of practical “how to do” exercises for detecting, surfacing, and discussing organizational defensive routines in a safe and productive way. The combination of text, business fable, and interactive and reflective exercises is versatile in its application to both individuals and groups. The companion DVD contains video vignettes of the book’s business fable where the actors model both defensive routines and virtuous cycles of behavior. Readers will instantly recognize what has long been going on in the workplace, and will be able to develop the skills to talk about it productively. 

 

About the Author

The Author

BILL NOONAN is an educator and consultant with an international practice that includes facilitation, conducting workshops, and designing web-based learning programs. He has consulted to leading learning organizations such as Federal Express, Hewlett-Packard, Shell Oil Company, and Herman Miller.