A Matter of Perspective: Stepping Out... Together

Working recently with an executive leadership team, I had the opportunity to observe how the team interacted while completing a shared task.  The task seemed simple: together, build a structure using 35 colored wood blocks.

Prior to beginning the task, each person was given an envelop with unique instructions or a prop:

• One person received photos of what the finished structure should look like. 
• Another person received detailed instructions on how to build the structure. 
• The remaining individuals received something to wear: either a sleep/eye mask, a mouth mask, or headphones (to listen to music). 

The photos and instructions could not be shown to the other team members, but the information on these or the other props could be freely shared with others.

My focus during the team's interactions:  how does this leadership team complete their organization's  objectives, participating equally, when each person comes with different talents and gifts?

One Perspective (view from the front):
seeing what is before you

As facilitator, I gave very short directions prior to starting the task: build a structure with the 35 colored blocks using the information or props distributed to the various team members.  No one was named leader.  No one was put in charge.  The goal:  build the structure as a team using the information or props available.

Isn't life like this?  Each of us has received various gifts and talents -- some realized and some not yet discovered -- with the goal of making it through life somewhat successfully!  We may see our life through the filters of these talents and experiences.  Our roles and responsibilities may create lenses that limit what we see.  Possibly, we may miss out on other perspectives and points of view.

This executive team had to figure out, with very little shared information, how to use what they individually possessed to help the team build the structure.  The team members with the photos (Vision) and instructions (Plan) tried to communicate how to create the block structure to members who could not see (eye mask), speak (mouth mask), or hear (headphones).

Another Perspective (view from the back):
the ability to see behind what is revealed

Observations -- and Questions -- for us to consider:

• Observation:  Even though two individuals could not directly disclose the photos and instructions (e.g., look at these photos; read these instructions), they did not tell others they had additional information (e.g., I know what the structure should look like; I can tell you how to build the structure).
  Question:  What keeps me from sharing with others the information I possess or any observations I have made? 
• Observation:  The individuals who could not see, speak, or hear never mentioned their limitations.  The two people who had the Vision and the Plan never realized they had limitations of their own and did not invite everyone to participate.
  Question:  When I perceive that someone may have a limitation or when I notice that someone may not be participating fully, do I take the time to share what I am observing and ask questions? 
• Observation:  The person who could not speak found ways to participate and get her ideas across: she used pen and paper, writing down her questions; she used sign language to get people's attention or to point to an object in question.
  The persons who could not see or hear, interestingly enough, did not speak as well even though they had the ability to speak.
  Question:  Do my limitations create or compound limitations in others?  Do I take on someone else's limitations without realizing it?

Other Perspectives (side views):
sometimes a slight shift will present a different view

Dialogue practices and skills require a shift in perspective when it comes to the simplicity and complexity of our social and work structures:

• Am I willing to share openly my limitations? 
• Am I willing to check out the limitations I have perceived or projected on others? 
• Am I able to shift my views or perspectives so that I can see beyond the position held by someone else?

May this week allow us to shift slightly so that we can view life anew!

Larry Gardepie
Dialogue San Diego Consulting