Aimed at those who dismiss the problem of global warming as exaggerated an activist responded by saying they supposed critics would see the answer to bears dying of heat exhaustion as shaving off their fur. The expression , “bear shaving “ has come to mean proposing superficial solutions rather than tackling the real problem. And there is plenty of evidence of organisations doing just this.

Examples:
Bitter conflicts between two departments, fuelled by competition over budget allocation and conflicting priorities. The bear shaving solution a team building “ fun”  away day to repair relationships.

A dysfunctional management team unable to agree priorities or strategies resulting in endless debate with no clear outcome. The bear shaving solution instead of weekly meetings move to fortnightly meetings.

Priorities not clear, roles and responsibilities not defined, so nobody knows exactly what to do? The bear shaving solution arrange some time management training for managers.

The senior management team is viewed as out of touch and not aware of the extent of problems in the organisation. The bear shaving solution the chief executive to write a regular blog.

The annual staff survey highlights low moral. The bear solution commission HR to conduct a sample of exist interviews and report back in six months.

The EDI strategy is not resulting in more black and ethnic minority people in management posts. The bear shaving solution set new targets for recruitment.

HR report an increase in complaints of management bullying. The bear solution, set up a confidential whistleblowing line to get a better understanding of the size and nature of problem.

Customer complaints are on the rise and there is concern about how managers are responding. Bear solution ask legal services to draft a standard apology letter thanking the complainant for drawing the issue to our attention, assuring them we are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again but no admission of fault.

Bear shaving solutions are adopted because the root problem is seen as too difficult to tackle or the inconvenient truth has such huge implications for the organisation. Rather than be seen to be doing nothing the organisation comes up with an action. Preferably one that can be measured to demonstrate progress. Such as the number of bears shaved in the last financial year!