When Vikings were in battle and felt threatened they would stand together and raise their shields forming a defensive wall. The wall helped shut down further attacks and provided a measure of protection.
Framing Is Important
It wasn’t difficult for the Vikings to understand exactly what was happening to them. Their kill-or-be-killed existence provided a high degree of clarity. Attacks were often unpredictable, violent, and hurt many innocent people.
The response was often just as brutal and clear in purpose. Those that had been hurt felt the need for revenge. This is how they framed their world.
Oh…wait. Um, just a second. What just happened?
Am I off base? You tell me. Have you seen the attack/defensive dynamic in your workplace? What happens when something difficult occurs? Does the team come together and support each other; or, do emotions run rampant and the ability to lead effectively is trumped by a series of well intended but frantic actions that completely miss the point?
How About You
Is building trust and loyalty in your organization a priority? It’s much easier to make that happen when things are going well. We don’t have to do much leading in good times. But when the attacks come and the wall of shields goes up, do you stop managing and start leading?
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
