Walking On Eggshells

It's not uncommon in dysfunctional families to hear the phrase "it's like walking on eggshells" used to describe the difficulties of communicating with one or more family members who tend to control or even terrorize free exchange.

Sometimes, its subtle and sometimes, the process is brutal. However, feeling that the truth is dangerous or painful, rather than expected, permeates the everyday wellness of everyone involved.

In today's workplace, where there is assertion of being global, diverse and inclusive, there is often an undercurrent questioning of what is really true.

Sensing that geo-political references and "other influences" may actually be driving certain organizational behaviors today, tend to put unspoken pressures on people. We work to achieve objectives and don't always feel able (free) to talk about what's on our minds.

Now this may seem dramatic. But is it? In a world economy, driven by network centric information, brokered by players who have sometimes obscure value chain relationships, where are the places to speak freely?

Issues like outsourcing are often spoken about as inhibitors and conversely, as natural growth patterns by the same organizations when they need to define or defend decisions accordingly.

Confusion, as part of a working strategy, is not so unusual.

Walking on eggshells. It's something that people practice in places they don't quite trust -- yet don't feel ready to leave.

So, they learn to live with it and walk gently.

Does this sound familiar to you?