Written by: Vickie Sullivan | October 16, 2018
Why We Drink the Kool-Aid
I had an interesting conversation with a colleague the other day. We were lamenting how a mutual friend made a big strategic mistake and went down a disastrous path. I said, “But he’s so brilliant!” She replied, “But he drank the Kool-Aid!”
I think we’re all guilty of drinking that potent elixir, especially when we’re new at something or when we don’t feel confident.
Here’s how it works: Someone we trust offers to help. (“Here, drink this.”) But because we don’t know what we don’t know, we can’t determine if that idea/campaign/strategy is right for us. So, we move forward in faith because working with those who believe in us feels good. (“Wow! This stuff tastes great!”)
Listen: How to Tell When You Are Listening to the Wrong Person
What happens next: This person helps the best way they can. It doesn’t work. Everyone keeps trying. (Another sip.) Still doesn’t work. OK, let’s band together and try something else. (Another sip.) No one wants to leave because we all get along so well. (Another sip.) And … it still doesn’t work.
At some point, the party is over. We kept drinking the Kool-Aid because it tasted so good.
In pursuing our purpose, we all want to be surrounded by people we have a connection with. Let’s make sure that doesn’t blind us and prevent us from getting what our business needs. People give us what they have, not necessarily what we need the most.
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