TOOL #5: HELICOPTER VIEW
The Ultimate Systems Question:
"What is our common higher level (superordinate) goal?"
Common Higher Level (superordinate) Goals
As Einstein said, “Problems can't be solved at the level they were created,” so go to the next higher level in order to succeed. Focus on abundance (win-win) vs. scarcity (win-lose) goals through the use of higher systems order outcomes.
Principle:
We must learn to see the world anew.”
—Albert Einstein
“So ... if we generally use analytical thinking in our lives, we now need real ‘Systems Thinking’ to resolve our issues.”
—Stephen Haines
Adopt a Helicopter View of Life and Work:
We can’t all get into a space shuttle but we can all get into a helicopter and have the pilot rise to 7000 feet and “hover” to help us get a better perspective on our issues and problems (as well as opportunities). The ability to adopt this “helicopter view” is what:
—Finds common goals and common ground to work with.
—Finds better answers and solutions to problems— especially “third alternatives.”
—Helps us become a better systems and strategic thinker.
Examples:
• In union-management fights and strikes over pay, it is a win-lose game. By moving to the higher level goal of competing and selling more cars profitably, both sides can win by gaining more money (increasing the size of the pie).
• In your day-to-day life, do you think about your future vision and your highest level goals?
“If you do not think about the future, you cannot have one.”
—John Galsworthy
Summary–
1. If it feels like a discussion you are in is going nowhere, ask, “What is the common superordinate goal we can all support?”
2. In planning your day, week, month, or year, ask “What is the common higher (superordinate) goal we can all support?” Sometimes this is seen as a “Shared Vision.”
3. As a way to a higher goal, you may want to ask both sides involved in a conflict, “Is there a third alternative in which we both can win?”
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