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

by William R. Noonan

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.   

Genres: Management, Communication, Business

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2007

Reviews

[Łukasz Lichota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content but maybe because I knew Mutual Learning (from Skilled Facilitator book) already and also find myself being not very engaged in the book (a bit bored? because of how it's written?) I'm giving only 3 stars.
However if you don't know Mutual Learning approach it should be a good one. And I like authors approach to work on himself in very compliant way with the approach.

[Gina Cajucom · Rating 2 out of 5]

found it boring, not engaging enough, too technical for my liking

[Tracie Reveal Shipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

great content and exercises for teams

[Evelyn Wilwerding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful book to analyze and overcome workplace communication obstacles.

[Yorgos Christoforou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, a must read for anybody aiming to improve his/her communication skills (and not only on the work floor).