Stop Playing Chess With A Pigeon

There is a popular saying that arguing with an irrational person is like playing chess with a pigeon. The pigeon knocks over the pieces, makes a mess of the board, and then struts around as though it has won.

The saying is often associated with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, although he did not write it. What Bonhoeffer did argue was more profound: stupidity can be more dangerous than malice. A malicious person may understand the truth and deliberately oppose it. But a person who has surrendered independent thought can dismiss facts, reject reason, and remain completely convinced of his own position.

This presents a difficult challenge for leaders. We are taught to communicate more clearly, listen patiently, and bring people along. These are essential leadership qualities. But they can also create the mistaken belief that every disagreement can be resolved through further explanation.

Sometimes the problem is not a lack of information. It is an unwillingness to engage honestly with information. Evidence is ignored, the subject is changed, the rules of discussion are repeatedly rewritten, and every outcome is interpreted as proof of the original position. What appears to be a debate is no longer a search for truth.

The leadership response should not be ridicule or anger. Labelling someone an idiot rarely improves anything. The better response is to establish clear facts, define decision rights, document what has been agreed, and set boundaries around conduct. The objective is no longer to win the argument. It is to protect the organization from the consequences of endless and unproductive argument.

Leadership requires patience, but patience is not the same as permitting dysfunction. There comes a point when continuing the debate only legitimizes it and consumes attention that should be directed toward people who are willing to think, learn, and move forward.

A good leader must know when to explain, when to listen, and when to stop playing chess.