Always trying Quote by Saul Alinsky
“It should be borne in mind that the target is always trying to shift responsibility to get out of being the target. There is a constant squirming and moving and strategy . . . on the part of the designated target. The forces for change must keep this in mind and pin that target down securely. If an organization permits responsibility to be diffused and distributed in a number of areas, attack becomes impossible.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Rules for Radicals, Saul Alinsky, 1971
Targets resist accountability, constantly shifting blame; change agents must firmly hold them accountable.
In simple terms: Targets avoid responsibility; hold them steady.
Key Takeaway
Secure responsibility to enable change.
Themes
power
responsibility
strategy
accountability
Mood
determined
strategic
Type
advice
political
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate reform
- community organizing
- legal enforcement
Key Concepts
social dynamics
organizational behavior
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify the true source of resistance?
- What mechanisms keep responsibility from diffusing?
A Different Perspective
If the target is too diffuse, accountability collapses.
![“I think a legitimate target is the enemy and [the] enemy is basically in uniform, but not all [are] in Uniform. For example in the rural areas, our judgement is that virtually the whole farming community is part of the South African Defence Force.” quote by Joe Slovo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/852/joe-slovo-23476_areas_i-think-a-legitimate-target-is-the-enemy_1831393.jpg)
![“Innovation is not a big breakthrough invention every time. Innovation is a constant thing. But if you don't have an innovative company [team], coming to work everyday to find a better way, you don't have a company[team]. You're getting ready to die on the vine. You're always looking for the next…” quote by Jack Welch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ed/jack-welch-1195_always-trying_innovation-is-not-a-big-breakthrough-inv_111877.jpg)
