The Rashomon Effect!
Krishnakumar Ramanathan
Managing Director and Group CEO S & S Power | Acrastyle | Hamilton Research and Technology | At the intersection of Engineering and Management lie infinite possibilities!
The Rashomon Effect! / 123, 01 June 2024
These articles are based on personal reading, interaction and experience, and explore self-development in the context of Management and Leadership.
Reference sources are cited. Views are strictly personal. Feedback is welcome!
‘Rashomon’ is a famous 1950s movie by the Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. It dealt with the death of a Samurai warrior; as narrated by four different witnesses. All of their versions are different, creating a web of multiple alternate truths. It inspired movies like Kamal Hasan’s ‘Virumandi’ / Ben Affleck’s ‘Gone Girl’ – where the same incident is seen differently by different people, each through their own lens. It is true that there are many versions of a truth. Let us explore this topic together, in the context of Management and Leadership.
In management of business, we come across some different types of truths:
Normative Truth: It is laid-down guidelines that everybody has to accept as the truth. Take EHS and Compliance policies, for example. There is only one version of truth. One cannot contradict, but one can benchmark it against others.
Objective Truth: It is backed by verified fact or data, like our organisation achieved sales of X in this financial year, with Y number of employees. It is an absolute set of figures, not related to other parameters. Can be benchmarked, but difficult to contradict.
Subjective Truth: It is belief mixed with assumptions, like stating that our organisation is doing well, or that X is a good boss. It is open to contradiction, and is not absolute, but relative to other parameters or benchmarks.
A lot of the passionate (and sometimes heated) discussion in leadership and management centres around Subjective Truths. This is a clash of beliefs and biases, not of ideas. Each one of us believe in a particular version of a truth, typically one that is shared with many others. The most heated arguments I have seen are not between right and wrong, but between different versions of a subjective truth, or between taking different approaches to solving a particular problem. In today’s article, we explore the ways to control such arguments, and channelise it for the benefit of an organisation.
1.???? Remember the Rashomon Effect! Before stating, countering or dismissing a particular point of view, remember that there are different versions out there. This approach reduces conflict, and brings alignment into the room.
2.???? Data is King and Queen! Stating a view with specific points, and listing out assumptions, adds wings to an idea. It also brings in objectivity, and shifts the arguments from views to data points.
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3.???? Be ready to be wrong! It is a small but fundamental mental block. Once we accept that we may be partially correct or completely wrong, we open our minds to others’ points and listen better. ??
In almost every interaction in life, the Rashomon effect is at play. In our careers, we need to have strong exchange of ideas and subsequent alignment of our teams and management behind us. Awareness of the Rashomon Effect and understanding how to leverage it in our favour is important.
I do hope you enjoyed reading this one and would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, from your own experiences.
Warmest regards, Krishnakumar.
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Reference Sources:
Consultant | Retired from Siemens
7 个月"KK, your exploration of the Rashomon Effect in the context of management and leadership is both profound and timely. You've effectively highlighted how understanding different perspectives can lead to stronger, more aligned teams. The practical tips you offer are invaluable for navigating the complexities of subjective truths in the workplace."
Thank you for sharing, KK. I had not heard about Rashamon Effect before, and so is a refreshing read; and served for some reflection too.
Futurist l IT Consulting l Strategy l Data Monetization l Product Quality
9 个月Virumandi Effect! - Good One Sir. Subjective truth is the hardest one to tackle. It's heresay and emotions, have no clue of self inflicting biases in action.
Intrapreneur at Siemens Energy - Bold innovator - Excellent collaborator - Devoted leader
9 个月Interesting read…takes us further towards the path of acceptance and collaboration rather than conflict!
Great read KK sir, thanks for sharing. Very insightful.