Deep Change Quote by Robert E. Quinn
““Alignment within and between the systems is lost. We find ourselves working harder than ever, yet we benefit less and less from our efforts. As tension mounts, we look for someone to blame. The real problem, however, is embedded in the underlying organizational systems that have shifted out of alignment-with each other and sometimes with the external environment. When an organization discovers that its systems need realignment, I am often asked to make a diagnosis. Senior executives seldom argue with my diagnosis, but they almost always argue with my recommendations. I am told, "What you don't understand is that we don't have the time to make the deep change you are recommending." This statement is accurate.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Built to Change, Robert E. Quinn, 2005
Organizations often become misaligned internally and with their environment, leading to wasted effort and blame‑seeking. Real change is resisted because leaders claim they lack time for deep transformation.
In simple terms: Systems get out of sync, causing inefficiency and blame.
Key Takeaway
Address systemic misalignment despite time pressures.
Themes
leadership
change management
organizational behavior
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- executive retreats
- strategy workshops
- process redesign
- performance reviews
Key Concepts
systems thinking
diagnosis
resistance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders prioritize long‑term alignment over short‑term fixes?
- What incentives can create space for deep change?
A Different Perspective
Deep change requires time and resources, which leaders often deem unavailable.
