No Bare Hands in This Land Revisited

Abstract

As we’ve discussed, rules are important. Sensible, reasonable rules provide boundaries and a form of security and predictability that actually enables greater freedom. However, unreasonable, unpredictable rules create a completely different environment. In the case of King Friday’s rule about mittens, we see a perfect example of how rules that seem arbitrary can thwart constructive use of the Essential Skills. King Friday may have designed the new rule for the day out of concern (F) for his subjects/employees, but his way of imposing (introverted T, competitive) the new rule shows his inability to use perspective-taking. He demonstrates no effort to figure out what the others think and feel or how his imposition of a seemingly arbitrary rule will impact their work. His action also inadvertently inhibits critical thinking by everyone except Lady Elaine. Instead of questioning a rule that prevented them from completing their current tasks (work assignments), they simply stop and put on their mittens. By being competitive, Lady Elaine stands up to King Friday’s autocratic behavior and demands to know “why you have made this rule.” She persists even after she feels the impact of the hand-freezing breeze. Had King Friday considered the perspective of his subjects, he might not have turned this into a hot issue that led to loss of valuable work time and to a degree of defensiveness from one of his important subjects.