My workplace has undergone significant changes over the past few years, which is an attempt to resolve considerable problems that everyone is aware of. A high-up person at my work routinely tells us that most of these changes are a waste of time. They say that there are no systemic issues – there are only personal weaknesses. And the fact is, some of my colleagues are now starting to believe the rhetoric.

Should I listen more carefully to his thoughts, or is it fair to treat this idea with caution?

In some cases, institutionalised self-help is well-meaning and innocuous. But in this case, it appears your boss’ views deserve to be treated with disdain.Credit: John Shakespeare

I read your full email with interest and horror. It sounds to me like this powerful person in your organisation has deeply immersed themselves in an absurdly simplistic philosophy, though ideology might be a better word.

At its heart is the idea that everyone should just look after their own “backyard”. On the surface, this seems like an unobjectionable – even solid – suggestion. We all have a finite ability to work on and take responsibility for things around us, so why not draw a line around a small selection of those things – close family and specific work tasks, for example – and concentrate mostly on them?

As with most rigid worldviews, it gets shaky as soon as it moves from general principle into practical guide to life. And when........

© The Sydney Morning Herald