The Blind Men and the Elephant

 

We have all been in groups where communication is almost non-existent and conflict is through the roof. Conflict is one of the most difficult challenges to over come in the team setting. But why is there conflict? Is it a clash of personalities? A difference of opinion? Or could it be boiled down to perception? Chris McGoff of the ThePrimes.com discusses conflict in terms of perspective. 

BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT

What I found powerful about this video, was that McGoff key into the fact that each individual has their own perspective. On top of that, their perspective isn't wrong, because for every reason that is their reality.

Knowing this…how can WE apply it to leadership or managing a team?

- Objectively determine the perspective of each team member

- Ensure everyone has access to the same information

- Focus on rationalizing each perspective rather than being drawn into an argument

- Use shared information to solve conflict

- Take time to see the benefit in each perspective

The Primes. (2011). Blind men and the elephant. Retrieved from: http://theprimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=110&Itemid=55&prime=4