Engaged! Tip#9 – Think Like a Dolphin
In the Strategy of the Dolphin, Dudley Lynch and Paul Kordis chose the dolphin to illustrate the ideal manager because of its high intelligence and ability to learn from experience. When dolphins do not get what they want, they quickly and purposefully change their behaviors in pursuit of their goal. For example, dolphins confronted by a shark have the reputation of repeatedly circling the shark and ramming its rib cage, using their bulbous noses as bludgeons. Eventually the shark takes off or sinks helplessly. As Lynch and Kordis state, “The strategy of the dolphin requires that we think about how we think.” Dolphins have the ability to successfully adapt to any situation they encounter. If one strategy is unsuccessful, they are quick to learn and respond with a stream of other possibilities. In the pool of life, sharks are usually successful at eating carp and sometimes even other sharks. But seldom will sharks succeed in eating dolphins. Dolphins are too intelligent and creative not to learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others. The major difference among the sharks, carp and dolphins is that dolphins believe in both potential scarcity and potential abundance. Based on this belief, they learn to leverage what they have and use their resources superbly.
Four Key Characteristics of Dolphins
1. They plan an infinite rather than a finite game. Dolphins know that situations do not happen in a vacuum-every action they take, will have a reaction. They realize that because life is an infinite game, they may have to deal with the same individuals in the future. This realization increases the likelihood that dolphins will foster cooperation and trust to make the relationship more durable. Finally, instead of cutting up and dividing what already exists (a finite focus), dolphins work in relationships to create more than what already exists (an infinite focus), an approach that benefits both parties.
2. They avoid unnecessary conflict by cooperating as long as the other player does likewise. Dolphins realize that cooperation and trust are critical.
3. They respond promptly to a “mean” move by retaliating properly. Dolphins recognize the importance of responding quickly and appropriately when provoked. Putting off a response when you have been dealt an unjust blow invites being misunderstood or victimized. Whether the problem is your teenager testing your home curfew policy or a client altering the terms of a contract, delaying a response sends the wrong signal, inviting more shark-like behaviors. Dolphins retaliate promptly, when appropriate, to make their needs known and avoid being misunderstood.
4. While quick to retaliate, they are also quick to forgive. If an individual shows any signs of cooperation, dolphins quickly switch to a more cooperative strategy.