Is it time to talk about the elephant?

Strategic leaders tear down no-talk zones.

THINK ON IT: Is it time to talk about the elephant? 

There's an old cartoon depicting an elephant lying in anguish on a psychiatrist's couch. "Sometimes, even if I stand in the middle of the room," the elephant confesses, "no one acknowledges me."

A funny cartoon — if it weren't so true. In many businesses, conflict over direction (or even the reality of a situation) gives way to an uneasy cease fire, the kind that discourages addressing the situation. Over time, "no-talk" zones become so ingrained that neither leadership nor employees acknowledge them. The elephant can't get the attention it deserves. 

As unpleasant as it may be, however, the strategic leader must tear down these no-talk zones. 

Conflict and disagreement are vital to building a better strategy. Remember, reality is your friend, even if it means acknowledging the reality of a disagreement. Better to create a shared view of reality than give space for someone to stuff information they'd rather not share.

Is it time to talk about the elephant in your business? 

“Conflict is induced in every consciously chosen change." — Will McWhinney

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