Summary: Understanding that individuals can have different perspectives of the same event is crucial for effective leadership. This concept is vividly illustrated in Akira Kurosawa’s classic film Rashomon, the Netflix series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, and the recent Good American Family. The narratives delve into the complexities of subjective truth, offering valuable insights for leaders navigating diverse perspectives within their teams.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
Is there ever an “ultimate truth?”
There is an old saying that the only truths you can count on are “you will pay taxes and one day you will die.”
In fact, finding the truth in any given subject is complex. You know, you put two people in a room and you will get as many as four or five variations of the truth.
And then, my question is “How do you get individuals to take a deep breath and look at truth from the other side?
This is a complex and important area for leadership development.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
Signed,
Truth Junkie
“To be Jedi is to face the truth and choose”…Yoda
Dear Truth Junkie,
There are many ways to ascend the mountain of truth. And even then, sometimes the truth is unknowable.
However, it takes determination and the ability to listen to others to find the essence of the truth underneath all the fears and posturing that individuals use to keep themselves safe and out of the spotlight of judgment.
Here I want to connect a film from the 1950s that is similar to two new Netflix series about Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan who was adopted in the United States.
Rashomon: A Study in Subjective Reality
Released in 1950, Rashomon presents a harrowing incident—a samurai’s death and his wife’s assault—through conflicting accounts from four witnesses: the bandit, the wife, the deceased samurai (via a medium), and a woodcutter.
It takes place in the twelfth century with themes from classical Japanese literature. Each narrative diverges significantly, highlighting the elusive nature of objective truth.
The film underscores how personal biases, emotions, and self-interest shape individual perceptions of reality. This phenomenon, known as the “Rashomon effect,” underscores the difficulty of discerning absolute truth when confronted with contradictory interpretations.
‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace’: Modern-Day ‘Rashomon’
The Netflix series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace mirrors the themes of Rashomon in a contemporary setting. It chronicles the perplexing story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian adoptee whose age and identity became subjects of intense dispute.
Adopted by the Barnett family in 2010, Natalia, who has a rare form of dwarfism, was later accused by her adoptive parents of being an adult masquerading as a child. They alleged she exhibited behaviors inconsistent with her purported age, leading to legal battles and media scrutiny.
Conversely, Natalia and others presented evidence suggesting she was indeed a child at the time of adoption, painting the Barnetts’ actions in a troubling light. The series presents these conflicting perceptions, leaving viewers to grapple with the ambiguity of the situation.
Leadership Insights: Embracing Diverse Perspectives
For leaders, these stories highlight the importance of acknowledging and balancing diverse perspectives within a team. Here are key takeaways:
- Acknowledge Subjectivity: Understand that each team member’s viewpoint is shaped by their unique experiences and biases. Recognizing this can foster empathy and improve communication.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where individuals feel safe to share their perspectives. Open discussions can unveil underlying issues and promote collaborative problem-solving.
- Seek Multiple Viewpoints: Before making decisions, gather input from diverse sources. This approach can lead to more informed and balanced outcomes.
- Develop Critical Thinking: Encourage team members to analyze situations critically and consider alternative interpretations. This skill is vital in navigating complex and ambiguous scenarios.
- Foster a Culture of Understanding: Promote the idea that differing perceptions are natural and can be beneficial. Emphasize the value of diverse viewpoints in driving innovation and growth.
By embracing these principles, leaders can navigate the complexities of human perception, much like the characters in Rashomon, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, and Good American Family, leading to more cohesive and effective teams.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. If you would like to learn how I utilized Rashomon to address a diversity issue in a Fortune 100 company several years ago, please email [email protected].
