Kathy Sierra’s smackdown model for learning made me smile AND nod—what a great idea. I agree, we should be presenting multiple views rather than insisting there is one way forward. As Kathy argues, when we present two conflicting views people are encouraged to think and make up their own minds: learning occurs.

While the smackdown metaphor of two wrestlers in the ring, one trying to knock the other down, might be a little over the top, the idea of entertaining/exploring multiple perspectives is particular important when dealing with complex issues. As you might remember from previous posts (here, here and here), complex issues have many connected parts, are characterised by small things triggering large events and vice versa and are constantly in flux—like most organisations we know. In a complex system we can’t rely on what worked in the past because the landscape has changed. We need to try new ideas—experiment. Smackdowns should be in our kit bag.

The next time you here someone ‘telling you how it is,’ challenge them to argue the other perspective or ask someone else to help the group explore some of the other possibilities. This can only increase the level of interest in the discussion and people will hear more than just ‘blah, blah, blah.’ You never know, people might learn something too.