Unfortunately, William Perry finds that this movement to what we calls a Relativist perspective is not what usually occurs. Rather, there is the movement (at least temporarily) to what he calls a Multiplicity which is almost anarchist and is certainly a source of profound cynicism (based on a sense that the authority has betrayed us). If there are no ethical guidelines to follow—then what should we do? If our priest or rabbi has been “messing with our minds” or not telling us how we really should behave in the world—then where should we turn for guidance—and should we trust anyone in authority? Perhaps, it is now the matter of doing what is expedient and of personal benefit to me, my family, or my clan. Instead of the “golden rule” there is now “those who rule hold the gold!” and they are the new “authority” that we should follow (until someone else with more gold shows up). The potential client who resides in a state of ethical Multiplicity is “ripe” for work with a patient and understanding professional coach.
The coach can slowly and carefully build a trusting relationship with their Multiplist client, spending a considerable amount of time just listening to and reflect back on their client an appreciation for the “violation” that the client experiences in being jerked out of Dualism. As Perry has noted, the movement from Dualism to Multiplicity is attended by a profound grieving process. Innocence is lost. The coaching client has been kicked out of Eden and must now become self-critical and self-guiding. They can view and confront their cheating behavior in a new light. “It is understandable that you have been cheating given what is occurring in your world. However, there are other options that you can chose when facing these challenging conditions. Let’s explore several of them.” This can be a “teachable moment” and can help a client move forward in their own ethical (and intellectual development).
With some thoughtful, caring (but bounded) coaching, the Multiplist can begin to frame their ethical decisions in a Relativist framework. This framework is particularly of value for a client who is in a position of formal leadership in an organization and must make difficult decisions under prevailing VUCA-Plus conditions. The Executive Coach should be in the business of helping their client distinguish between organizational puzzles that have clear solutions and can be guided by a relatively simple code of conduct, and organizational problems and dilemmas that are multi-tiered and often filled with contradictions (Bergquist, 2019).
These challenging organizational issues are rarely covered by the organization’s code of conduct. They require recognition of multiple ethical frameworks and multiple pathways that can be taken that can be justified on moral grounds. The executive coach will be particularly valuable at this point. It is no longer “simply” a matter of not “cheating”—it is matter of now defining what is “cheating” and what is the nature and scope of cheating that has taken place (making use of the criteria we have enumerated in this essay).
This cheating might have been taking place by the leader or by other members of the organization. There might even be a growing realization that the cheating is systemic in this organization—and perhaps resides at the heart of this organization’s distinct culture. In all of these matters, the executive coach can help their client embrace a relativistic perspective in which there is appreciation for factors leading up to and sustaining the cheating, as well as for the many options that can be considered in seeking to reduce or eliminate the cheating.
William Perry once again encourages us to move forward in our ethical (and intellectual) development. It is not enough to recognize the multiple options of interpretation that might be engaged, as well as the multiple pathways that might be taken. Choices must be made regarding the most accurate and useful interpretation (knowing that a different point of view might be embraced at some point in the future and in some other setting). Furthermore, a decision must be made regarding the most appropriate pathway to take at this point in time and in this setting (knowing that a different choice might be made at a different time and in another setting).
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