Leader Quote by Scott Berkun
““It’s natural for people to protect what they know instead of leaping into the unknown, and managers are no exception. Managers might even be worse, as the politics they rely on to survive can make them more entrenched and defensive.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Manager’s Dilemma, Scott Berkun, 2012
People resist change and cling to familiar knowledge; managers often become defensive due to political survival, worsening resistance.
In simple terms: Fear of the unknown and political self‑preservation hinder progress.
Key Takeaway
Encourage openness and reduce political pressures.
Themes
change management
organizational politics
human behavior
leadership
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
strategic
analytical
When to use this quote
- project launches
- strategic planning
- team restructuring
- innovation initiatives
Key Concepts
Risk aversion
political dynamics
psychology of resistance
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can reduce political incentives in your organization?
- How can you foster a culture that embraces uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Political maneuvering can undermine genuine problem‑solving and erode trust.
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![“When I'm the speaker, I know that special moment [just before speaking] is the only time I will have the entire audience's full attention. Unless an alien spaceship crash-lands on stage midway through the talk, the silence before I begin is the most powerful moment I have. What defines how well…” quote by Scott Berkun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/426/scott-berkun-12409_aliens_when-i-m-the-speaker-i-know-that-special_210194.jpg)
