Functional stupidity - is it affecting your organisation?

Have you ever worked in an organisation where you have been discouraged to think and reflect at work? Have you been expected to 'do' things without question at work?
 
These are two prominent examples of functional stupidity I have seen across different industries.

*Alvesson et al. suggest that "functional stupidity emerges from the interplay between unwillingness and a (learned) incapacity to engage in reflexivity, a partial closing of the mind, freezing of the intellectual effort, a narrowed focus, and an absence of requests for justification".

How prevalent is this now across organisations? What critical thinking are you seeing in your organisation? Longer-term functional stupidity gradually destroys productivity and organisational culture.

But how do we deal with it?

  • Help managers empower and manage their teams

  • Build in time for team discussions and brainstorming

  • Promote the power of individual and group reflection

  • Support managers in coaching their teams to foster independent thinking and creativity.

You can use reflection questions across different activities and in one-to-one meetings: it’s all about providing people with space, listening and asking questions showing curiosity.  

*Alvesson, M. and Spicer, A. (2012). A Stupidity-Based Theory of Organizations. Journal Of Management Studies.

Next Steps

If you are interested in building critical thinking and leadership effectiveness in your organisation, you can explore my four separate and complementary services below:

  • Leadership Coaching: 6 months Coaching for Clarity Programme for Directors and Senior Managers

  • Leadership Development: Leadership training, including Emotional Intelligence and Agility in Leadership and Leaders as Coaches: Coaching Skills

  • Leadership Assessment: Leadership exploration, feedback and development on a range of leadership tools, including EQi and Hogan.

  • Coaching Culture Strategy: Coaching Audit to analyse current coaching state with recommendations. Clarity Coaching sessions for Learning and Leadership Development Professionals.

Nicola Butcher