Intelligent Disobedience

When It’s Smart to Say No

Nearly every week we read about a tragedy or scandal that could have been prevented if individuals had said no to ill-advised or illegitimate orders. In this timely book, Ira Chaleff explores when and how to disobey inappropriate orders, reduce unacceptable risk, and find better ways to achieve legitimate goals.

The inspiration for the book, and its title, comes from the concept of intelligent disobedience used in guide dog training. Guide dogs must recognize and resist a command that would put their human and themselves at risk and identify safer options for achieving the goal. This is precisely what Chaleff helps humans do. Using both deeply disturbing and uplifting examples, as well as critical but largely forgotten research, he shows how to create a culture where, rather than “just following orders,” people hold themselves accountable to do the right thing, always.Preface: How I learned about Intelligent Disobedience
Foreword by Phil Zimbardo, Creator of the Stanford Prison Experiment
Introduction: Creating Cultures that do the Right Thing
Chapter One: The Pressure to Obey: What would You Do?
Chapter Two: Obedience and Disobedience: When is Which Right?
Chapter Three: Breaking the Habit – It Takes More Than You Think
Chapter Four: Finding Your Voice – Saying “No” So You Are Heard
Chapter Five: Understanding the True Risks of Saying “Yes”
Chapter Six: The Dynamics of Authority and Obedience
Chapter Seven: Changing the Dynamics
Chapter Eight: The Crucial Lessons from Guide Dog Training
Chapter Nine: The Price of Teaching Obedience Too Well
Chapter Ten: Teaching Intelligent Disobedience: Where Do the Lessons Begin?
Chapter Eleven: Doing Right at Work: Saving Lives and Accomplishing Missions
Conclusion: Personal Accountability and Cultures That Honor Doing Right
Appendix: The Courageous Follower: A Model for Creating Powerful Partnerships
Notes
Acknowledgments
About the Author“Reading this remarkable book has given me new hope for humanity.”
—from the foreword by Philip G. Zimbardo, creator of the Stanford Prison Experiment and author of The Lucifer Effect

“Intelligent disobedience is a core competency. This book provides an overlooked and essential element of ethical decision making and right action.”
—John A. Allison, retired Chairman and CEO, BB&T Corporation

“All of us have the responsibility to stand up for doing the right thing. Intelligent Disobedience offers the tools for doing this.”
—Beatrice Edwards, Executive Director, Government Accountability Project

“Intelligent Disobedience provides practical advice for the workplace and has profound implications for preparing students for democratic citizenship.”
—Robert Bravo, Area Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School DistrictIra Chaleff is the founder and president of Executive Coaching & Consulting Associates and chairman emeritus of the Congressional Management Foundation in Washington, DC. He is the founder of the Followership Learning Community of the International Leadership Association and has been named one of the 100 “Best Minds on Leadership” by Leadership Excellence magazine.