Eliminating the Elephants

The elephant in the room is an English metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss, or a condition of group think no one wants to challenge.  We’ve all experienced it and as a consequence the issue has fostered confusion, distraction, preoccupation, and fear, which consume time and impedes productivity.

It’s the leaders responsibility to be proactive and confront elephant’s head on to disrupt their damaging effects on productivity within organizations. So why then are elephants so pervasive? If we know that elephants cause damage why then do leaders often delay in dealing with them? Let me propose two possible reasons:

1. We don’t like mess- We feel that if we address matters things may actually get worse. This may be true in the short run, but let me challenge you to stop sacrificing long-term goals for short term wins!

2. Family of origin- Many leaders grew up in families where pachyderms were pervasive. As a result we carry these bad relational habits over into our roles as leaders. Let me remind you however that you can’t correct what you won’t confront!

 

When you choose not to deal with the elephants in the room, know that there are costs associated with your avoidance:

  • Big issues are avoided or minimized
  • Meetings become a waste of time
  • There’s no real dialogue, discussion, or debate
  • The team develops high apathy & low engagement

 

Once you decide to finally address the elephants there are 3 strategies that will help you address them effectively:

1. Notice it

a. Verify that the elephant is real

b. Understand that perceptions aren’t necessarily reality

c. Have a quick reality check with people you know will be honest about the situation/circumstances

 

2. Name it

a.  If it does exist name it, call it out!

b.  You have to acknowledge the nature of a problem first so that you don’t get stuck on the symptoms

c.  In naming what’s been avoided you transform the elephant into something that people can tackle together

 

3. Neutralize it

a. Elephants grow quickly!!

b. Leader, don’t beat around the bush. Be direct, honest, and detailed even if the facts are unpleasant. Tiptoeing will only perpetuate the tension!

c. Being direct builds respect and trust- which are essential elements for the success of a leader