Yesterday two agile coaches drop by unexpectedly (for a whiskey). We recount the day’s events. BCG, McKinsey, the adulterated conferences, the coaches who need to eat well or who love money before ideas, the great political comedia del arte at some of our clients’ places. In short, Irish whiskey, Connemara. A bit peaty. One of these coaches thinks it’s just a) pissing in the wind b) a pissing contest.

But I don’t share that view. Not wanting this plain speaking, this real debate, is to let this evil prosper. To stay silent is to agree. To say that we’re going to use the system against the system is to lie, and take us for idiots. Things should be said when they happen. Without fighting, without wanting to save the world, or battling. Just say it. Soberly or with weariness, however you wish.

If you don’t do it, you’ll be surprised by the misunderstandings, the false ideas spread around. By letting all these little things pass, a big hideous thing feeds itself hidden away.

A healthy profession, healthy ideas, healthy know-how and interpersonal skills are built over time. BCG, McKinsey, SaFE, the charlatans, all feed on your hesitations and your false modesty.

Some cry out “now! now! It must be said!”, why this deafening silence before their cries? Let’s start very small, but let’s start.