This past week, I ran off to Cape Cod for some rest and relaxation deep work and thoughtfulness. I started this tradition last year after I lost my mother and mentor; she always loved the Cape and it’s where we wrote Survival of the Hive.
So, imagine a September Cape Cod - not too many people around, a bit chillier and the ocean looks dominant on the verge of anger. Waves continue to pummel the beach; one could sit for hours as the waves come in unrelenting. There is a seagull in the background squawking... You’ve got your picture in your mind?
It’s easy to assume that what you see on the surface tells the whole story. The churning waves, the rise and fall of the tides—everything seems dictated by what’s happening above the water. But the real force driving those waves is far below the surface. It’s the invisible, powerful ocean currents that control the movement of water, nutrient distribution, and the paths marine life will follow.
Side note: I took one class of Oceanography in college; I thought it would be fun because I love the ocean - it was not fun. Nor, do I remember anything other than looking at slide after slide of piston corers of mud right after lunch for 2 hours. A real snoozefest! So, I had to do some research for this post around ocean ecosystems and it was fun to relearn.
Direct application: Just like these deep underwater currents shape the ocean, a person’s underlying beliefs shape their behavior. These beliefs, often hidden from view, are the invisible forces directing actions, decisions, and reactions. Understanding this parallel between the ocean and human behavior is the key to unlocking more meaningful change in any organization.
Beliefs as the Underwater Currents
The ocean’s currents are massive, invisible rivers that move beneath the surface, silently shaping the ocean’s ecosystem. In the same way, the beliefs that drive a person’s actions are not always visible, but they exert a powerful influence over what we see on the surface. Beliefs, much like these underwater currents, are often formed over time, shaped by personal experiences, cultural influences, and deep-seated values. These hidden currents direct how individuals act in different situations, sometimes without them even realizing it.
Just as an ocean current can shift the temperature of water and the migration of fish, an individual’s beliefs shape their actions—whether those beliefs are about their role at work, their abilities, or the nature of their colleagues. The impact of these unseen forces is often underestimated, just as we underestimate the power of deep ocean currents when we only focus on the waves.
Behavior as the Surface Waves
On the surface, the ocean behaves in ways that are visible to everyone. The waves are shaped by wind, tides, and, most importantly, the underwater currents. In human terms, these waves represent the outward behaviors we observe in people—their work habits, communication styles, and decision-making processes.
Just as rough seas reflect disturbances in the underlying currents, erratic or negative behaviors often signal that something deeper is at play. When employees exhibit unproductive or inconsistent behavior, we often focus on the waves—trying to calm the surface—without addressing the real source beneath. But the truth is, these behaviors are driven by their underlying beliefs, just as waves are influenced by the deep currents below.
Mapping the Currents: Belief Discussions
In the ocean, scientists like oceanographers study these currents to better understand how they influence the surface waves. They use tools and data to map the flow of water and predict how it will behave over time. Similarly, leaders in the workplace need to become "belief mappers." Instead of simply reacting to visible behaviors, they must dive deeper and explore the hidden beliefs that drive them.
Belief discussions act as the belief mapper’s tools. They are conversations that help uncover what an employee truly believes about themselves, their role, or the organization. By understanding these underlying "currents," leaders can better predict and guide behavior, just as oceanographers map the ocean’s movements to forecast changes in weather patterns.
Belief Discrepancy: The Changing Tides
Just as ocean tides shift with the gravitational pull of the moon, forcing the ocean to ebb and flow, belief discrepancies occur when external forces compel individuals to reconsider their core assumptions. When an employee encounters a belief discrepancy—such as a reality that clashes with what they’ve always thought to be true it’s as though the gravitational pull of new information forces a change in direction.
When someone’s beliefs no longer align with the current situation, the individual is faced with a dilemma. Much like how the tides respond to the moon’s pull, employees must adjust their behavior to this new reality. This adjustment process is crucial for growth and progress, as it allows for the reevaluation of old assumptions and paves the way for more productive behavior.
Belief Change: Redirecting the Ocean Currents
Occasionally, the ocean experiences dramatic shifts—such as when underwater volcanic activity or tectonic movements alter the path of its currents. These changes can redirect entire ecosystems, affecting marine life and the balance of nutrients in the water. Similarly, once an employee’s beliefs have been disrupted and discussed, their behavior begins to shift. This redirection of "currents" allows for the creation of new patterns of thought and action, leading to more positive outcomes.
When beliefs are adjusted, it’s like changing the course of those powerful underwater currents. The entire "ecosystem" of behavior shifts in response. Employees become more aligned with the goals of the organization, just as the ocean realigns itself after a significant event.
As we embark on transforming our organizations and leading our people, I hope this quick oceanic analogy is helpful. What you see on the surface - for better or worse - is not all that’s going on. Conversations and trust are the cornerstone to turning around poor performance and behavior - we just have to shift the ocean a little bit.