We think of addiction to substances like heroin, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or cigarettes. We can also have process addictions. Process addictions are addictions to a series of events or relationships that together form a process. Examples of process addictions are money, power, status, competition, quick-fix change programs, and climbing the corporate ladder. Addictive behavior in organizations prevents mindfulness, blocks authenticity, and separates people from their values and beliefs.
Addicted leaders are irresponsible and unaware of their impact on others.
Like the alcoholic, they need to be confronted with their behavior. Addictive organizations do not allow feelings. The Cartesian split separated our minds from our bodies, and addiction drives emotions underground. People lose touch with their pain, fear, anger, anxiety, and depression. This separation from themselves leads to separation from others.