Throughout history, those who could see reality clearly, anticipate the future, and speak hard truths were banished to the village's periphery. We needed them (when we wanted them) but would prefer they not be wandering around telling us what we didn't want to hear.
The cartoon below always struck me as something like the first scene in a movie - and makes me curious about what comes next. The image could be the opening scene in every Hollywood disaster film. An obscure but talented scientist finds evidence of some impending catastrophe (meteor headed for earth, earthquake, super tornado), but the world does not want to hear it. We all hate disruption.
I see three scenarios for what might come next.
🎥 Scenario one. Upon hearing their colleague's "um," the group quickly gathers to push her out, locking the door behind her. Banishing the truth-teller, returning to business as usual, and ignoring signals from the system that disruption is on the horizon.Â
Only a hero can save them now! Which might be the reason this pattern persists!
🎥 Scenario two is when the team member who observes the disruption rushes back to the group to inform them they have no idea what's happening in the organization and all their planning is senseless. Listing point by point the ways they got things wrong and discounting the effort - including elements of the plan that have real value.
For those familiar with the Leadership Circle Profile, this would be Critical and Arrogance leading the charge. The group becomes disengaged, doubts their competency, and the people you most need working on the problem either resist by digging in on the current plan or give up entirely. (spoiler alert: this does not end well)
🎥 Scenario three. The team member who observes the disruption returns to the group to offer observations and ideas on how the outside reality might influence current thinking. They recognize their role in arriving at the current plan and invite the group to revisit core assumptions, purpose, and strategy. They lead with Courage, Composure, Systems Thinking, and Purposeful and Visionary.
Change is less effortful when the truth can be brought as a platform to build on rather than a sledgehammer to tear down. It reduces drama - and heroes are not required. Terrible for a summer blockbuster - but better for teams trying to do hard things.
cartoon credit: virpi@businessillustrator