5 Minutes on the Four Truths

The Four Truths model, created by the Human Systems Dynamics Institute, helps us see four ways people see the truth of situations.

These different perspectives can influence our action and the behavior of those around us.

The more clearly we can recognize the different truths in a situation, the more clearly we can communicate and make decisions.

Ready to learn and practice? Think of a situation at home or in your work to follow along with me.

In my example I am going to use the situation of a difficult conversation coming up at a team meeting.

What is the Objective Truth in this situation?

Objective truth is what exists and can be proven. Think facts.

E.g. There is a table in the room that we are sitting around. There are eight of us. Some people have talked and some haven't.

What is the Normative Truth in this situation?

Normative truth is what we, as a group or team or culture, agree is true.

E.g. Our team agrees that it is important to hear from everyone on the team before making a decision that affects our clients.

What is the Subjective Truth in this situation?

Subjective truth is how you see and experience the world.

E.g. One person thinks "Our team works well because we love to argue together" and another person thinks "Our team doesn't work well together because we are always arguing."

What is the Complex Truth in this situation?

Complex truth sees that all three previous perspectives are valid and helps you focus on the truths that are most helpful at any given time.

E.g. For a difficult decision we will start by hearing everyone's (Normative) thoughts and feelings about the topic (Subjective).

How does the Four Truths help with difficult conversations or conflict?

If you're having tension or conflict in your group, use the Four Truths framework to ask questions. See if you can surface the different truths in the group.

The conflict could be caused by someone thinking their subjective truth is an objective truth. And their subjective truth is at odds with someone else's subjective truth.

For example, one person thinks we are spending too much time on a topic and another person thinks we aren’t spending enough time.

Conflict can also happen when someone thinks their subjective truth is a normative truth that is shared by the group, when it actually isn't a shared truth in the group.

For example, one person thinks team members with less tenure should defer to the thoughts and opinions of long-standing team members.

Here are some questions to help you uncover the Four Truths in your group.

So what are people in general agreeing to (normative truth)?

What are people disagreeing about (subjective truth)?

What information can be seen? (objective truth)?

What sense are people making out of the information (subjective truth)?

Want to learn more? You can read about the Four Truths at the Human Systems Dynamics Institute.