The iceberg concept is the idea that only a small part of something is visible on the surface, while a much larger part is hidden beneath it.
The basic idea . . . Think of a real iceberg:
Above the water — the small, visible portion
Below the water — the much larger, hidden portion
The concept is used as a metaphor for several things:
- People: What we see—behavior, words, appearance—may represent only a small part of someone’s thoughts, feelings, experiences, and motivations.
- Problems: A visible problem may be only the symptom. The underlying causes may be much larger and harder to see.
- Success: We see someone’s achievements, but may not see the years of work, failures, sacrifices, and persistence behind them.
- Communication: Someone’s words may be the visible part, while emotions, assumptions, fears, or expectations are underneath.
An easy way to remember what the iceberg concept is:
“What you see is only a small part of what is really there.”