The rule of 6 explained: From personal to professional life

In a world that often pushes for quick answers and definitive solutions, a different approach, rooted in Native American tradition, offers a powerful alternative. This approach, known as the Rule of Six, provides a framework for navigating complex situations and making decisions with greater clarity and flexibility. It challenges the common Western tendency to seek a single, “correct” answer, instead advocating for the exploration and consideration of multiple possibilities.

The core principle of the Rule of Six is simple yet profound: when faced with a problem or uncertainty, generate at least six plausible explanations or stories to account for it. The crucial part is to hold all these possibilities in mind without immediately choosing one as the “right” one. This contrasts with the typical Western mindset, which often rushes to select the first seemingly logical explanation, effectively shutting down the exploration of other potentially valid perspectives. By resisting the urge to quickly find a single answer, the Rule of Six creates a space between observation and interpretation, opening the door to a wider range of understanding and more effective decision-making.

Expanding Your Perspective: The Benefits of Holding Multiple Stories

Holding six different ideas in your head at once? Sounds like a lot, right? But that’s where the magic happens. It forces you to see the bigger picture. Instead of looking at a single tree, you’re seeing the whole forest. You start to wonder, “What else is going on here? ” Maybe it’s not just about one thing. Maybe it’s a mix of different stuff.

This approach also makes you way more open-minded. You’re not stuck on one idea. You’re not saying, “This is the only way! ” When you’re not tied to a single thought, it’s easier to change your mind when you learn something new. It’s like having a flexible straw, it bends, but it doesn’t break.

Imagine you’re trying to figure out why a project failed. If you just pick one reason, like “the team wasn’t good,” you might miss other things. Maybe the goals weren’t clear. Maybe the timing was off. Maybe there was a lack of resources. When you hold multiple possibilities, you don’t jump to conclusions. You’re open to different explanations. You’re not emotionally tied to one idea. This makes it so much easier to make better choices.

And here’s a bonus: it makes you more understanding. You start to see other people’s points of view. You realize they might have a different story to tell. It’s like watching a movie from different angles. You see more of what’s happening. This helps you make decisions that are more thoughtful and compassionate. In a world that’s always changing, being adaptable is key. The Rule of Six helps you do just that.

Scenario Planning: Preparing for Multiple Futures

Think of scenario planning as creating different versions of the future. Each version tells a story. Each story has different assumptions and outcomes. It’s like writing a choose-your-own-adventure book for your business. You’re not trying to guess what will happen. Instead, you’re preparing for many possibilities. This means looking back from a future point to now. Then, you create different stories about how things could unfold.

One key part of this process? You need to create at least one scenario that’s “unspeakably awful. ” Yes, it might be scary, but it’s important. You also create one that’s your “favorite” future. Then, you fill in the gaps with other possibilities. Think of it like a range of outcomes, from worst-case to best-case. The point isn’t to predict. It’s to mentally rehearse different paths. This makes you better prepared for whatever actually happens.

Scenario planning really shifts how you think. It lets you see your potential role in different futures. You start to notice key events. These events might signal that a specific scenario is happening. This is super useful. You also find “no-brainer” actions. These are things you can do right now, no matter what happens later. This helps you break through the paralysis that uncertainty can bring. You can take action with more confidence. By rehearsing these futures in your mind, you become less reactive. You’re more proactive and ready for whatever comes next.

The Rule of Six in the Natural World: A Constant Reminder

Look around. Nature is always showing us the Rule of Six. Think about a river. It doesn’t just have one way to go. There are many paths it could take. It’s the same with other things in nature.

Take a good harvest, for example. Why is it successful? It’s not just one thing. Maybe the weather was great. Maybe the soil was just right. Maybe there were lots of bees to help the plants. It’s usually a mix of things working together. Nature is interconnected. It’s complex. It shows us that many things can be true at the same time.

I once met a cat with six toes. Seriously. We called him “Six,” of course. It was a small thing, but it stuck with me. It was a reminder that life is full of surprises. Things aren’t always what we expect. There are always little variations and many possibilities.

It’s like our brains, too. Our “thinking” side, the left side, can use the Rule of Six. When we see something, we should try to think of at least six reasons why it happened. Not just one. This isn’t about finding the one “right” answer. It’s about knowing that there are many possibilities. This helps us to think better and not get stuck on one idea. It also reminds us to stay curious and open to different ideas.

Each reason we come up with? It’s not the final word. We can give each reason a personal “maybe” number. This number shows how likely we think it is. But nothing is ever 100% sure. Because our conclusions are always based on our own experiences. It’s a way of staying open to new ideas and perspectives. It’s about keeping our minds flexible.

Probability and Perception: A Holistic Approach

It’s not about hard numbers. Not really. It’s about how we see things. When we try to figure out how likely something is, we should never say it’s 100% going to happen. Or 0% not going to happen. This is key. Why? Because life is messy.

These numbers? They’re just a guide. They keep our minds open. Open to new info. Open to new views. When you make a choice, look at the top three most likely stories. Focus there. It’s a quick way to move forward. But, don’t forget the other stories. They’re still in play. They might become important later.

Let’s shift to the other side. The more creative side. This side sees that nothing is simple. No one thing causes another. It’s all connected. Our view matters too. Your way of seeing isn’t the same as mine. That’s okay. Each view has worth. It’s like looking at a painting from different angles. You see different things.

And here’s the thing… there is no single truth. It’s all about your view. This shapes how you choose. It’s like a maze. You have different paths. They go different directions. But, they can also come together. The Rule of Six asks you to see life from all sides. Even the sides of animals, if you can. This helps you make better decisions. Decisions that are more balanced. Decisions that are smarter.

It lets your imagination back in. You aren’t using your imagination to pick a winner. You’re using it to see more. To create new ideas. You’re trying to find the most creative and fresh ideas. This is what makes the Rule of Six so powerful. It’s not about being right. It’s about seeing all the ways things could be.

Embracing Uncertainty: A Path to Flexibility and Understanding

The Rule of Six is not about finding the perfect solution or eliminating uncertainty; it’s about embracing it. By consciously cultivating the ability to hold multiple stories, you become better equipped to adapt to the complexities of life and make decisions that are both informed and flexible. It’s a practice that encourages curiosity and openness, reminding us that there are always more possibilities than we might initially perceive. It’s a path toward greater understanding, compassion, and more effective action in a world that is constantly changing.