I've heard Christopher Avery speak once and had a couple of email conversations and I have deep respect for the message he is trying to get across.

His e-Tip from Feb '06 is this:

Three ways you and I reduce our ability to respond and lead everyday:

• Denial. We close our eyes, cover our ears, and hum a comforting tune.
• LayBlame. We take the position that our problem is really 'them'.
• Justify. We say that it is 'just' the way it is.

Which of these 3 things have you seen in your organization today? Maybe all 3?

His suggestion:

• Commit to and trust your ability to respond.
• Stand in the fire and look to see what's true.
• Own it–what to do will become clear to you.