An astute diagnosis of one of the biggest problems in business


Denial is the unconscious determination that a certain reality is too
terrible to contemplate, so therefore it cannot be true. We see it
everywhere, from the alcoholic who swears he's just a social drinker to
the president who declares "mission accomplished" when it isn't. In the
business world, countless companies get stuck in denial while their
challenges escalate into crises.

Harvard Business School
professor Richard S. Tedlow tackles two essential questions: Why do
sane, smart leaders often refuse to accept the facts that threaten their
companies and careers? And how do we find the courage to resist denial
when facing new trends, changing markets, and tough new competitors?


Tedlow looks at numerous examples of organiza­tions crippled by denial,
including Ford in the era of the Model T and Coca-Cola with its
abortive attempt to change its formula. He also explores other
companies, such as Intel, Johnson & Johnson, and DuPont, that
avoided catastrophe by dealing with harsh realities head-on.


Tedlow identifies the leadership skills that are essential to spotting
the early signs of denial and taking the actions required to overcome
it.