As I sit here editing a manuscript about IDEO and reading end-of-year event reviews, I have twice encountered a common phrase that has long disturbed me:
Drinking the Kool-Aid
Thirty years ago in Guyana, over 900 followers of SF-based Jim Jones were induced to commit suicide by drinking a cyanide-laced drink (it was ironically a different brand, Flavor Aid). Since then, "Drinking the Kool-Aid" has served as shorthand for unquestioning acceptance of a culture, community, or ideology. People use the term to disparage others, or as a laughing reference to their own behavior.
Except, I just don't find it funny. The event itself was a great tragedy, and blind obedience to authority continues to destroy lives everywhere.
I especially dislike the term when it gets applied to IDEO's employees or culture, laughingly or not. It diminishes what we've built here and compares us with tragic cult members. We deserve better.
So, this is my plea: choose your words carefully and consider deleting this one stock phrase from your repertoire.
