If Fassel and Schaef are accurate then addictions are the same for organizations as they are for individuals (54).  A scary thought given that addictions are now considered the norm for society (97).  I have met addicted people and their addiction came close to destroying them.  Stories abound about men and women who start well in ministry but end addicted traveling down a path toward death (I have personally ministered side by side with two men whose addiction killed them literally).  Denial seems to run high (62).  No one wants to work through the difficult process towards healing.  In order to protect themselves, people just stop feeling (67). Both the addicted person and those who relate to them long for the false hope of temporary victories.  When “good news” such as this comes relief flows and everyone hopes the sickness is behind them.  The book moves from defining addictions from substance to processes to dealing with the key leader as an addict or the organization as addictive in its systems.  Finally the book ended with solutions to the addictive organizations. 

I struggled through the beginning of the book, however I found the recovery process and solutions to be the most meaningful to my life personally.  I am married to an ACOA and am learning what patience and process means.  I have heard it said that there won’t be healing unless there is an attitude towards healing.  Since addictive organizations are hurting organizations, it is important to know that the individual or the organization is not evil they are sick.  Additionally, recovery is a process and not a quick fix (180).  I am not a patient person.  Healing WON’T come without patience and a process (Like AA’s 12 step process).  Above all the best atmosphere for recovery is grace.  I am constantly aware that if it weren’t for the grace of God in my life and my obedience to his ways I would no doubt end up addicted to something or some system.  I am extremely indebted to the spirit of God and to His word and the grace of others even in my weaknesses.

Organizational health can be achieved.  I am a big fan of anything that deals with empowering teams through their own participation.  Like Ouchi’s Theory Z a belief of mine is built on the belief that involved workers are essential to increased productivity (15).  Money is not the only incentive and not even the most powerful stimulator for productivity, I think empowering teams to carry out plans is a huge motivator.  According to general knowledge less sabotage of products and few sick days are the result of empowerment (16).  Questions run through my head at this point, “What is the likelihood of widespread addiction in this atmosphere?  Are addictions non-respector of persons?”  As leaders, it is important to understand that addictions are not reality.  Change and productivity can happen and God is always using broken people.  Work places can become healthy places.  Avoiding the frantic pursuit of doing more and more and more is one step not to mention a very wise move.