Part of what I enjoy chatting with Pete Kangas and Chris Heger, the two smartest guys I know in construction is how our different perspectives are shared and we learn. Many times we do not get the other perspective immediately and it takes time to understand the other ideas. We trust we are blind to the other perspective, and with time we could see things from other’s perspective. To explain this concept the bilnd men and the elephant comes to mind.
The blind men and the elephant is a story illustrating how 6 people could see one thing differently and none are right, yet each is so convinced they are right and others are wrong that it blinds them to the truth.
In all the years of know this story I did not know there was a version of the story that tells a deeper story that applies to issues many organizations face. For example, here is where the six blind men argue about elephants are.
The old men argued day and night about elephants. "An elephant must be a powerful giant," claimed the first blind man. He had heard stories about elephants being used to clear forests and build roads.
"No, you must be wrong," argued the second blind man. "An elephant must be graceful and gentle if a princess is to ride on its back."
"You're wrong! I have heard that an elephant can pierce a man's heart with its terrible horn," said the third blind man.
"Please," said the fourth blind man. "You are all mistaken. An elephant is nothing more than a large sort of cow. You know how people exaggerate."
"I am sure that an elephant is something magical," said the fifth blind man. "That would explain why the Rajah's daughter can travel safely throughout the kingdom."
"I don't believe elephants exist at all," declared the sixth blind man. "I think we are the victims of a cruel joke."
And as they sit to compare their views they argue each is right, defending their view and attacking others.
"An elephant is like a wall," said the first blind man. "Surely we can finally agree on that."
"A wall? An elephant is a giant snake!" answered the second blind man.
"It's a spear, I tell you," insisted the third blind man.
"I'm certain it's a giant cow," said the fourth blind man.
"Magic carpet. There's no doubt," said the fifth blind man.
"Don't you see?" pleaded the sixth blind man. "Someone used a rope to trick us."
Their argument continued and their shouts grew louder and louder.
"Wall!" "Snake!" "Spear!" "Cow!" "Carpet!" "Rope!"
Sounds like many meetings and disagreements in organizations that are standard ways of doing things.
When this version continues it shows there is a different way. A way where the six blind men change perspective and are asked to work together.
"Stop shouting!" called a very angry voice.
It was the Rajah, awakened from his nap by the noisy argument.
"How can each of you be so certain you are right?" asked the ruler.
The six blind men considered the question. And then, knowing the Rajah to be a very wise man, they decided to say nothing at all.
"The elephant is a very large animal," said the Rajah kindly. "Each man touched only one part. Perhaps if you put the parts together, you will see the truth. Now, let me finish my nap in peace."
When their friend returned to the garden with the cool water, the six men rested quietly in the shade, thinking about the Rajah's advice.
"He is right," said the first blind man. "To learn the truth, we must put all the parts together. Let's discuss this on the journey home."
The first blind man put his hand on the shoulder of the young boy who would guide them home. The second blind man put a hand on his friend's shoulder, and so on until all six men were ready to travel together.
We are all blind in some way, and the key to see more is to work with other’s perspectives. This is where diversity of the team is a key strength. A homogenous organization or a strict hierarchy of top down can be lik the blind men.