Disagreements Among Friends!
11/02/04
On this election day when we exercise our voting choice in America, it might be wise to keep that vote in perspective. Senator John McCain, at The Republican National Convention in New York City, said: "Our disagreements should remain an argument among friends who share an unshaken belief in our great cause and the goodness of each other. We are Americans first, Americans last and Americans always! Let us argue over our differences but remember that we are not enemies but comrades in a war against a real enemy and take courage from the knowledge our military superiority is matched only by the superiority of our ideals and our unconquerable love for them."
What a wonderful perspective about disagreements no matter where they occur! Tension and conflict are built into the very fabric of our lives on and off the job. Only in differences are we allowed to find the truth clarified by that tension. The trick is not demonizing the people who disagree with you. In campaigns, both sides get to be heard. They choose how to get their points across and how to get their candidates heard. The same challenge is faced in any team decision. Consensus is not agreement; it is an awareness that one's perspectives have been heard and understood before the choice was made. Silencing those who disagree only turns disagreement into resistance and resentment. Politics is messy and frustrating and imperfect and...oh so necessary to keep freedom alive. Disagreements on the job are equally important in finding our way to make change work. Are you making it safe to disagree on your team or do people have to go to the parking lot or the restroom to talk about what they really think? Can you honor and listen to those who disagree with you on your way to understanding and choices? Does your team have arguments among friends or are you left with factions who never talk to one another? I hope in our country and in your company, we can get beyond our differences to come together to make a difference where it counts.
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Consensus is not agreement; it is an awareness that one's perspectives have been heard and understood before the choice was made." --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Humor is needed for at least half of the people voting on election day! Loren Ekroth (www.conversation-matters.com) provides this week’s mirthful moment—Label Instructions In Honor of Stupid People! In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods:
On a Sears hairdryer -- "Do not use while sleeping."
(Darn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair.)On a bag of Fritos -- "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."
(the shoplifter special?)On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap."
(and that would be how???....)On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion:
Defrost."
(but, it's "just" a suggestion!)On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating."
(...and you thought?...)On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."
(but wouldn't this save me more time?)On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."
(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness."
(and...I'm taking this because???....)On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts."
(talk about a news flash!)On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
(I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...