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Today we are going to briefly discuss the importance of carefully communicating goals which impact multiple groups. These so called "superordinate goals" can be instrumental in facilitating stress reducing cooperation and collaboration among groups which were formerly at odds with each other. To effectively communicate superordinate goals, successful leaders will often use dramatic strategies which accentuate the positive. Since true leaders are considered to be high status individuals among their employees, their words and behaviors can have significant impact.
The significance of superordinate goals was demonstrated by a very important experiment in social psychology. The experimenters initially set up a variety of competitive goals among groups at a boys' summer camp. The competition was so fierce that the groups were constantly fighting throughout the days and nights at the camp. In the next part of the experiment, the researchers made up a scenario in which both groups would perceive danger in the environment. The result was a dramatic shift from fierce competition to strong cooperation. Regardless of whether the experiment would be considered ethical by today's standards, the results were dramatic.
On a broader scale, the impact of superordinate goals may be seen throughout society at a variety of levels.
In the workplace, strategists will often communicate current or impending economic downturns in an effort to motivate workers toward increased efficiency and productivity. When the implied goals are communicated clearly and in a positive way, including ways out of the problem situation, teams can be turned from a mindset of internal competition to one of productive cooperation.
At the level of society, the media has done much to communicate issues that impact all of us, including global warming, heart disease, school violence, and terrorism, for instance.
One of the most important demonstrations of using superordinate goals was the cooperative strategy seen between local resident Phyllis Rodriguez, whose son was killed in 911, and Aicha el-Wafid, the mother of a mastermind terrorist who was behind the attacks.
The two mothers often traveled together holding hands while explaining their views on religious tolerance and forgiveness. The use of blame and hatred are not part of the equation.
Educational and corporate leaders can also learn important lessons from post-Columbine initiatives designed to prevent school violence.
For example, it is important not to glorify bullying behaviors in any way while trying to emphasize higher level goals of cooperation and collaboration.
Interested parents and educators might find "Stop the Bullying Workbook: for parents, teachers and bullies too" and "Spirit of the US Constitution Workbook: learning about cooperation and avoiding prejustice," useful to help increase understanding and use of superordinate goals regarding teamwork and cooperation.
Dr. Michael Basso has a Ph.D. in Professional Psychology and Biomedical Systems, an MBA in Executive Leadership and an MS in Engineering Science. He is president of the CT Holistic Health Association, is an adjunct assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine and is CEO of Michael R. Basso Consulting.