Do You Know "The Answer?"
We've just returned from Philadelphia, where I heard David Bender, SLA's Executive Director, speak on the beauty of catharsis, like that of a caterpillar into a butterfly. My thoughts on his remarks are focused on change and leadership, since I recently read something written by change management guru Scott J. Simmerman, Ph.D., who often uses the following story in his seminars:
"Two caterpillars are conversing and a beautiful butterfly floats by. One caterpillar turns and says to the other, ‘You'll never get me up on one of those butterfly things.'"
Wait! Before you make a judgment on the story and its lesson, open your mind to the possibilities that exist in your answer. "When I first heard this story about the caterpillars and the butterfly, I assumed that is was about resistance--a single answer," Simmerman says. "And the first time I asked a room full of people to talk about the meaning of the story, I was shocked by their answers, since most were not about my answer but focused on other themes."
His point is that knowing the answer--or perceiving that we know the answer--often paints us mentally into a corner before we have an opportunity to understand the question and appreciate the many possible answers that may exist. How many times do we self-limit out perceptions and our thinking because we "know the answer" and, thus, don't even think about considering possibilities? This is a very common trait, and one deserving of reflection and analysis.
Simmerman says that, when people talk about the caterpillars and butterflies story among themselves, a very interesting thing usually happens: They discover that they share different perspectives and a diversity of ideas, which is common when people discuss things. Yet most of us, when we know "The Answer," will generally self-limit any consideration of other possibilities and limit our thinking. The fact that we can generate other ideas is a most interesting outcome. All of us have the capability to generate ideas and possibilities. What we need is a simple tool and shared base of experience and common ground.
Most would agree that being a butterfly is a "higher existence" than remaining a caterpillar. But the story also links to some key learning points on leading change and unleashing an individual's ability to empower one's self, including:
• Even though we often resist change and risk, it is often inevitable!
• Change will occur and we can choose to be active participants and go with the flow – or we can attempt to resist and suffer the stresses.
• Each of us goes through many stages of development, a process that occurs repeatedly over time.
• It's easier for butterflies to develop perspective on things than it is for caterpillars.
• Caterpillars focus only on eating and survival. There is more to life than this.
• What is needed is vision and overall perspective--we're all on a journey forward.
• We need to be engaged and involved in the process itself rather than feel imprisoned by our environment. Change cannot be done "to" us--forcing the action typically generates active resistance to the process.
• Possibilities are endless! Choosing to change is a really important part of improvement.
• One cannot become a butterfly by remaining a caterpillar."
• Change and personal growth is all about discovering the inevitability of change and the need for one to clarify a vision of the future.
When you read that story, what thoughts came to mind? Do you see the possibilities of other, equally valid or effective answers? Simmerman suggests that we should attempt to seek other's answers before we offer our own. Of course, we can't all do that, or we would just sit around waiting for someone to speak up! But it is an important lesson to consider in group settings.
For more information, contact John Crosby (john-c@sla.org)
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