Minnesota is known for something called "Minnesota Nice," It has a wonderful side—but the shadow side is just plain ugly. After working in all states for over 20 years, there is something unique I find in just about every Minnesota organization, something far less common anywhere else—passive aggressive behavior. It's the dark side of Minnesota nice.

When asked to do something, Minnesotans will often nod their heads vigorously but have no intention or commitment to actually DO what they just agreed to do. They think an excuse will be as good as a result, and they'll craft one of those as soon as they miss their deadline—which they intended to do all along.

Another form shows up when people attend a meeting and disagree with the consensus of the group, but don't speak up until AFTER the meeting at the water cooler. Dysfunctional? Yes. Normal in Minnesota? You betcha... and it happens everywhere.

It's maddening. Worst of all, it kills organizations, making good employees want to run off and sending people from other states back home, shaking their heads.

When organizations begin to tell the truth at a deeper level and make it safe to challenge ideas in respectful ways, miraculous results come quickly.