Today’s article is inspired by the politically-charged gobbledygook we call presidential primaries. This battle of principles turned battle of wills reminds me that the role of the change agent can be as much theater as science. In a public forum, at least, the positions of the opponents are plainly laid out for all to see. We expect candidates to take a stand on important issues.

In the less public day-to-day business of politics, however, there’s a subtler tactic exercised by opponents to put the kibosh on ideas that don’t appeal to them. In the parlance of Robert’s Rules of Order, it’s called “indefinite postponement,” otherwise known as intentional procrastination, to avert debate and deadlock. In fact, the decision “not now” is more effective than “not ever,” because the merits of the change take a back seat to arguments regarding scarcity of resources.

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