A key aspect of my role in business is, for the moment, to give voice to what others may not be aware of. There are missing actions that should be taken up. Risks are emerging that could be mitigated. One can feel the need to bring awareness and context. Yet, it is not always something others want to hear.
People like feeling good. Often that is defined by good news, a sense of confidence, and a grasp of the familiar. Not knowing creates a sense of unease. Lacking confidence empowers worry. Being in strange territory invites fear. Instead of walking with doubt, we like to with optimism.
Blind optimism is different from hope. Ignoring today’s story will not make tomorrow’s better.
I am learning that there are ways of calling out the issues that improve the chance that others are willing to listen.
One needs to affirm the hope that we share. Knowing there is a positive link between us, allows us look into what we do not know. If the link does not exist, one is merely a disconnected commentator.
Crispy capturing the issue is important. Are we using words we mutually understand? Are the issue(s) clear? Sometimes the issue is personal. Being candid helps if done in context of hope. One example is how one called out the lack of substance on the issue at hand. “You’ll notice they’re not here today. They’re cowards, too cowardly to accuse me in front of you.” (Acts 24.19)
Is the desired outcome known? Is there a clear link to shared hope?
Can one offer a possible solution or way forward?
Viewpoints are useful if they are more than criticism of the past. They can be a bridge to the future. They can link our highest values to action. They can also bind communities to something greater.
There are many reasons for me to fear the future. There is much more that I do not know than what I do. Being myself in my strengths and weaknesses confidence and uncertainties, is a starting point where anything is possible.
