Problem Solving using Integrative Consultation

Integrative Consultation: Harnessing Collective Wisdom

The first problem-solving or opportunity-maximizing methodology that we’ve developed over the years of working with client organizations is Integrative ConsultationTM (IC) 3. Integrative Consultation is a collaborative problem-solving approach that involves constructively utilizing the diverse perspectives of two to five individuals so you can better understand problems and challenges, resulting in better, more informed decisions.

The ancient parable of the blind men and the elephant illustrates the opposite of this collaborative approach when we are limited to just a single perspective: Isolated from one another, each blind man, depending on the part of the elephant he’s touching, forms a different, and incomplete understanding of what an elephant is. When asked what an elephant is, the one touching the leg believes it to be a tree trunk; another, grasping the tail, thinks it’s a rope. Naturally, they each think the others are wrong, leading to disagreements and possibly even reacting with hostility. Yet, if they could consider and listen to each other’s perspectives, they might conclude that each touches a different part of the same elephant 4. When we can see beyond the limited perspectives of any individual, we can form a more complete, accurate view of the “elephant”—the problem or opportunity. Only then are we in a position to come up with better solutions.

Reflection Question

o   Have you ever encountered a situation where different perspectives clashed, only to realize later that everyone had part of the truth?"

Similarly, in a business setting, encouraging communication and considering diverse perspectives relevant to the problem can empower you and your team to make better, more informed decisions. However, having these discussions in a manner that is constructive can be challenging without an effective facilitator or structured approach. Without it, some participants may keep their point of view to themselves, even though their unique vantage point can meaningfully contribute to solving or at least better understanding the problem.

On the other hand, you may have participants who hijack the meeting and take up a disproportionate amount of the meeting time expressing their views without giving adequate time for others to contribute. As trained facilitators, Business Alignment Coaches can guide and coach you and your leadership team how to have a more balanced, inclusive, and productive session.

Creating a Safe Space for Idea-Sharing

Our approach to facilitating constructive dialogue in a group setting comes from our practice of Integrative Consultation (IC). IC teaches a mindset and rules of engagement that seek to minimize destructive conflict and protect team morale. Destructive and negative conflict, resulting in lower morale, often arises from contentious disagreements when people feel attacked and compelled to defend their ideas to avoid looking "bad." When someone criticizes our idea, one may take it personally, feeling as though our idea, our “baby” has been labeled “ugly.” However, in a facilitated session practicing Integrative Consultation, differing perspectives can be shared in a respectful, open exchange where participants can disagree without being disagreeable.

IC encourages participants to adopt a more neutral, detached mindset when expressing views to create this respectful and open environment. For example, rather than feeling personally invested in an idea, we ask participants to imagine themselves as a radio transmitter tuning into various frequencies, thoughts, and perspectives that are in the ether coming through them. When you share an idea that’s been transmitted to you, think of it as placing a piece of fruit into a shared bowl at the center of a round table where all of the participants are seated around it. Once the idea is put forth and placed there, it no longer belongs to you or anyone else; instead, it becomes a shared resource for the group to examine. With this detachment, participants can discuss the idea frankly and even tear it apart without fear of offending anyone since the idea is now owned by the group and part of the collective contribution rather than just a personal one 5.

Facilitating the Clashing of Perspectives vs Egos

Instead of allowing egos to clash, this method facilitates the idea put forth by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Perfect Exemplar of the Bahá’í Faith, that "The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.” 6 When self-centered ego and pride is removed or at least minimized from discussions, the team is more likely to experience open and candid discussions that allow for the best ideas and solutions to surface. In this environment, participants don’t care about receiving individual credit but are focused on ideas and approaches that can promote and advance the organization’s objectives and greater good.

Prioritizing Relevant Perspectives

When evaluating perspectives, it is crucial to prioritize those of individuals who are directly "touching the elephant"—those with firsthand experience and expertise. These perspectives, rooted in direct evidence and observable facts, are more reliable than secondhand accounts or opinions from individuals with limited knowledge of the situation. Firsthand insights often serve as the foundation for better decision-making and problem-solving.

In today’s information-saturated world, where content is available at the click of a mouse, the ability to critically evaluate the accuracy of information is more important than ever. We all know that simply encountering something online or hearing it repeated in the media does not mean it’s true. It’s a good practice whenever possible to cross-reference information from at least two or three reliable, trustworthy sources to validate its accuracy. Having accurate facts, is the foundation to practicing evidence-based decision-making.

Through Integrative ConsultationTM, we emphasize an evidence-based approach that values the contributions of those with firsthand knowledge. By giving proper weight to direct observations and experiences within your team, you create a clearer, more accurate understanding of the situation at hand. This approach minimizes the risk of being misled by secondhand or less-informed opinions and ensures a higher quality of decision-making.

Reflection Questions:

1. Leveraging Expertise: Are you fully utilizing the insights of the "elephant touchers" on your team—those with firsthand experience? How can you better integrate their perspectives into your decision-making processes?

2. Validating Information: How often do you challenge the accuracy of the information you rely on? What steps can you take to cross-check and validate critical data before making decisions?