The Tip of the Iceberg: Sarah, a talented graphic designer, has become increasingly critical in meetings, frequently interrupting colleagues and dismissing their ideas. She misses deadlines, delivers subpar work, and seems generally disengaged. Morale in the design team suffers.

Below the Waterline:

• Beliefs: Sarah believes her skills are undervalued and that her colleagues lack her creative vision. She feels her ideas are often overlooked in favor of others.
• Values: Sarah highly values creativity, originality, and professional recognition.
• Feelings: She feels frustrated, unappreciated, and even angry. She worries about her career progression and feels stuck in a dead-end job.
• Needs: Sarah needs reassurance of her talent, opportunities to showcase her creativity, and a sense of belonging and respect within the team.

Exploring the Depths:

Using the Iceberg model, we can approach Sarah’s behavior with understanding rather than judgment. By looking beyond the visible tip, we can:

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of criticizing her work, inquire about her creative process and any concerns she might have.
• Actively listen: Give Sarah a safe space to express her frustrations and worries without interruption.
• Validate her feelings: Acknowledge her contributions and the challenges she faces, even if you disagree with her methods.
• Seek solutions together: Discuss how to ensure her skills are utilized effectively and how to foster a more collaborative environment.

Benefits of the Iceberg Approach:

Employing the Iceberg model in this situation can lead to several positive outcomes:

• Improved communication: Open dialogue facilitates understanding and mutual respect between Sarah and her colleagues.
• Enhanced teamwork: Addressing underlying needs can foster a more supportive and collaborative design team.
• Boosted morale: Acknowledging Sarah’s value and addressing her concerns can improve employee satisfaction and productivity.
• Personal growth: Sarah can benefit from constructive feedback and opportunities to develop her communication and collaboration skills.

The Iceberg model is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to understand human behavior beyond the surface level. By focusing on the “below the waterline” factors, we can cultivate empathy, build stronger relationships, and create a more positive and productive environment.