Many executives are not up to the challenge before them. They do not know how to lead change of the magnitude required, they are unwilling to ask for the help they need, and they are unable to acknowledge and apologize for their mistakes. They must work hard each day to appear competent. These pseudo-leaders cannot hide, and they are not credible. Followers do not trust them, and their inauthenticity amplifies that of the employees.
People realize they are part of a dishonest system, and they perpetuate it by their compliance.
Our cynicism reflects an authenticity crisis that Bob Terry says is at the root of our problems with organizational change. An easy way out is to conform. We go along to get along. We smile and nod enthusiastically yet feel the opposite. Perhaps we go through the motions.