The enemy of truth is illusion. Illusion is "a false interpretation by the mind . . . a belief or hope that has no real substance." Illusion comes when we perceive something to be true that isn't true or is only partly true. Illusion comes because we want to believe it is true. Illusion is often--perhaps always--tied into false hope.
This false hope is usually driven by our desire to avoid facing problems--and the pain that comes from facing them and attempting to solve them. It's easier to search for ways to market a formerly successful product which is now falling in sales than to gaze unflinchingly into the reality that the product is on the verge of extinction.
This book analyzes 12 major illusions with significant power to harm you and your organization. The illusions involve too-comfortable beliefs about big issues that soak up time and resources - and they may startle you by hitting so close to home. For example:
Throughout the book, self-tests help you pinpoint which Fatal Illusions are lurking in your organization. Then you'll learn proven, specific techniques for correcting the misperceptions, one by one.
The ideas in this book won't leave you alone. They are designed to make you and others in your organization uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. They will try to do that by holding up the mirror of truth and inviting you to take an honest look. <<Back