THE ALEXITHYMIC EXECUTIVE 71interaction with a computer. The systems person operates in an
automaton - like way, clinging to fi xed routines and avoiding real rela-
tionships with people. All relationships have a pseudo - quality. His or her
direction is set by the terminal of a computer, which also seems to
furnish all the stimulation such a person requires. Systems - oriented
organizations provide a holding environment par excellence for these
alexithymics; they can resort to jobs that are thing - oriented, where their
attention is focused on abstractions, tasks, ideas, and inanimate objects.
Their attachment to machines is a way of coping with the sterility of
their inner world. Although many alexithymics can function extremely
well in these circumstances, their often mindless and infl exible pursuit
of routines means that curiosity and initiative are missing. They probably
will not be suffi ciently adaptable to cope with environmental changes, a
defi ciency that can have devastating repercussions for an organization.
The Social Sensor
It ’ s diffi cult to describe the atmosphere when he was around. He was like
the grown - up who switches on the light in the nursery and all the toys,
which were magically running around, freeze and turn into toys again.
Yo u ’ d see the effect on people new to the department. They ’ d start by
saying how charming he was then after a while the uneasiness and bewil-
derment would set in. Getting to know him was like digging a hole in
the sand. You keep hoping you ’ re going to hit something but the further
down you get, the more wet sand you fi nd, and then the sides fall in and
undo all your work. He seemed so interested in people, always asking
questions, always laughing. After a while you realized the questions were
his way of keeping you at a distance, and he laughed at everything just in
case it was amusing, because he had no natural sense of humor.These remarks made by a top executive about a colleague indicate the
kind of atmosphere the social sensor creates. The social sensor is in
many ways a chameleon, quick to pick up signals from the outside world
and adjust his or her behavior accordingly. Predictably, social sensors fi t
very well in service - oriented industries, where prescribed emotions are
the norm. However, despite all their efforts, and notwithstanding this
superfi cial capacity for adjustment, their actions lack conviction.
Although they may give an initial impression of complete normality
and super - adaptability, under this veneer one rapidly uncovers a desper-
ate shallowness and lack of real warmth. There will be a lack of authen-
ticity. Changeability is their only fi xed characteristic, resulting in
pseudo - sincerity and pseudo - authenticity. Their super - adaptability and