The Monkey Experiment
As far as the monkeys know that’s the way it’s always been done around here!
The Training Monkeys Experiment
Training monkeys to blindly follow the way things are always done around here.
And that’s how company policy begins!
Motivation and Engagement
Start with a cage containing five monkeys.
Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it.
Get Banana
Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana.
As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water.
Get Cold And Wet
After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result – all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water.
Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.
Remove Cold Water
Now, put away the cold water.
Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one.
The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs.
Teach New Monkey
To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him.
After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.
Repeat Process
Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one.
The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked.
The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm!
Monkey Teach Monkey
Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth.
Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked.
Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey.
After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys has ever been sprayed with cold water.
Never Touch Banana
Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana.
Why not?
Because as far as they know that’s the way it’s always been done around here……….
Company Policy
And that’s how company policy begins, and it’s a situation that all inspiring line managers must break.
The Monkey Experiment
Impact Factory runs
Open Coaching and Mentoring Courses
Tailored Coaching and Mentoring Training
Five-Day Communicate With Impact Workshops
and personalised
for anyone who is interested in
Motivation and Engagement
