One of the most powerful ways to begin a new paradigm shift is through the process of analogy. For instance, rather than viewing people as rats, pigeons, or computers, it seems more appropriate and respectful to attempt to use the issues involved in training dolphins and porpoises as a metaphor for understanding human behavior. Next to humans, dolphins and porpoises are considered to be the most intelligent beings. They use sophisticated systems to communicate with one another, and their nervous systems are actually more complex than those of human beings.
A person attempting to learn to be a more effective leader or teacher is a bit like a porpoise in a training tank. He or she must make self-initiated changes in behavior, depending upon the nature of the context, and respond to multiple types of feedback.
Robert uses the analogy of the porpoise tank to illustrate some important principles for leadership and learning, and provides some suggestions for how to apply them in a (human) organization environment.
![The Parable of the Porpoise [Booklet]](https://d2j6dbq0eux0bg.cloudfront.net/images/15443428/935856572.jpg "The Parable of the Porpoise [Booklet]")
