Changed Quote by Charlton Ogburn
“We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams we would be reorganized. Presumably the plans for our employment were being changed. I was to learn later in life that, perhaps because we are so good at organizing, we tend as a nation to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency and demoralization.”
About This Quote
Frequent reorganizations create a false sense of progress while actually causing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
In simple terms: Reorganizing to look productive often leads to chaos and low morale.
Key Takeaway
Reorganization can mask real progress.
Themes
organizational change
illusion of progress
inefficiency
demoralization
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
observational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- Corporate mergers with constant team reshuffling
- Government agencies undergoing policy overhauls
- Start‑ups pivoting too often
Key Concepts
structural inertia
psychological impact of change
Practical Applications
- Limit restructuring frequency
- Communicate clear, stable goals
Questions to Reflect On
- When does reorganization become counterproductive?
- How can leaders preserve morale during change?
A Different Perspective
Sometimes reorganization is necessary to adapt to new realities; the challenge is balancing agility with stability.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
