This image popped up today

It reminded me of when I was reorganising a government department in the 1990s

All the staff were asked to attend one of my interactive workshops called ‘teaching the elephant to dance.’

This was based on how a circus would tame elephants. The elephant would be chained to a stake so it couldn’t move away.

Later the chain would be removed but due to ‘learned behaviour’ the elephant wouldn’t move away, as if the chain was still there.

Of course, I’m not condoning this treatment of elephants but it’s a useful analogy.

In organisations we develop a narrow ‘world view’ and institutional way of doing things. This can stop us being innovative, creative and lead to insensitivity . Which means we are less likely to learn and adapt.

Both collectively and individually we’re like the elephant that doesn’t move away from the stake, yet we’re not physically restrained.

I’d read this book…

Forty years ago it was very exciting time as we created an organisation to better serve disabled people.

That perspective is also appropriate for today.

We can liberate ourselves from our own narrow perspectives and unhelpful traditions.

Check this link for an uncanny coincidence.

And Giraffes can dance.