In the world of business coaching, understanding the intricacies of human behaviour is similar to navigating an iceberg-laden sea. The Behaviour Iceberg theory, popularised by renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud, offers a metaphor for understanding the layers that make up human actions and reactions.
In the context of SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) business owners, the behaviour iceberg theory is an interesting tool for effective team management and development. The underlying principle is that there are hidden reasons for your team’s behaviour, and as the leader and manager in your business, you need to discover what they are to best change behaviour and manage performance.
When talking with business owners, managing teams is often one of the top challenges, concerns or areas they are least confident in. This theory could provide some support in understanding the behaviour of your team and how to handle it for the best outcome.
Unveiling the Iceberg Theory
The Behaviour Iceberg Theory suggests that human behaviour is similar to that of an iceberg, with only a small portion visible on the surface, while a vast expanse remains hidden beneath the water.
The visible tip represents observable behaviours, actions, and outcomes, while the submerged part signifies deeper, unconscious factors such as beliefs, values, emotions, and motivations.
In the context of business coaching, acknowledging and addressing both visible and hidden aspects is pivotal for comprehensive leadership.
Relevance to SME business owners
For SME business owners, who often wear multiple hats and juggle numerous responsibilities, understanding the underlying principles of the Iceberg Theory can be a game-changer.
Unlike large corporations with extensive hierarchies, SMEs often function as tight-knit units. That means as a leader in your business, you can more directly see the visible aspects of your team’s behaviour but have an opportunity to understand the more ‘submerged’ factors which drive them.
Knowing what propels, causes and motivates the actions you see in your team members and comprehending the underlying factors will significantly enhance your leadership skills.
Engaging, motivating, and developing your team
Engagement, motivation, and development are the pillars that uphold a thriving team. The Behaviour Iceberg underscores the necessity of diving beneath the surface to identify the roots of behaviour.
To achieve real behavioural change in your team, you cannot just address the visible behaviours e.g. do less of that, do more of that, talk to people in this way instead etc. The team member may adjust temporarily, but to make it long-lasting, you need to explore what drives that behaviour and work on that with the team member instead.
Engaging with your team involves understanding their values and aspirations.
Motivating them requires tapping into their deeper desires and passions.
Developing them necessitates addressing not just the visible skills but also the underlying beliefs that shape their approach to work.
How you could use the behaviour Iceberg Model for team management
Understand the unseen:
The first step is to recognise that what you see on the surface is just a fraction of the whole picture. Take the time to understand the values, fears, and aspirations that influence your team members’ actions.
Open communication channels:
Foster an environment where open communication is encouraged. Create a space for team members to express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment. This helps bring the submerged aspects of the iceberg to the surface.
Tailor motivational strategies:
Motivation is not one-size-fits-all. Use the insights gained from understanding the hidden aspects of behaviour to tailor motivational strategies. Recognise and leverage individual strengths and aspirations to drive performance. Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses is often a more motivating factor for people!
Invest in professional development:
Beyond skills training, invest in the personal and professional development of your team. Identify and address limiting beliefs or fears that may be hindering their growth. A well-developed team is an invaluable asset to any business.
Lead by example:
As a leader, be transparent about your own values and motivations. Leading by example sets the tone for open and authentic communication within the team, fostering a culture of trust and understanding.
Gaining independence through team development
The Behaviour Iceberg isn’t just a lens through which to understand your team; it’s a strategic tool for gaining independence from your business.
By investing in the comprehensive development of your team, you create a self-sustaining team that are capable of navigating challenges and opportunities with minimal direct intervention.
Your team could then take on roles and responsibilities that may currently sit with you, giving you more time to spend on the strategic direction of the business or simply step away from some functions altogether.
The journey to gaining independence as a business owner involves more than just steering the ship—it’s about ensuring the vessel can navigate the seas even when the captain is not at the helm. This is where team development, becomes a powerful means of achieving lasting autonomy. The Behaviour Iceberg is one among many that contain elements which can help you do this.
In essence, the Iceberg Theory of Behaviour serves as a blueprint for not just understanding your team but for strategically developing it into a self-sufficient force.
By nurturing a culture of empowerment, skilful delegation, continuous learning, institutionalised processes, and a leadership pipeline, you fortify your business against uncertainties and position it for sustained success.
This means that when it comes time for you to exit the business, you’ll be leaving your team in a great position to keep doing great work. It will also ensure you achieve the best possible price for your business should you be wishing to sell it!
Team development with UK Growth Coach:
Are you looking to develop your team and achieve some more independence from your business?
We use several different models on the topic of team development to support our coaching to help business owners achieve greater independence. There are lots of challenges in developing a team to take on responsibilities which currently sit with you, from skills development through to systems and processes.
If you would like some help identifying these and would be keen to receive practical recommendations on how to resolve them, schedule a 90-minute, no-obligation business review with UK Growth Coach today.
Uncover the hidden depths of your team’s potential and steer your business towards unprecedented success; start your journey now!
