I have a strong business agenda. I believe in a set of core values that I believe transcend organizations, cultures, and time. Included in this mix are the ideas of being true to one’s value proposition, putting customers at the front of your efforts, and working with passion. There are many ways one can describe these ideals. They include principle statements, values, and guiding priorities. As explicit as they are, they also allow individuals to take them and apply them to a specific situation.
It is important to understand one’s agenda and how it fits in with others. Finding common ground is very helpful to developing and maintaining trust. Shared points of view allow one to collaborate as allies while recognizing that there are differences. When combined with diversity everyone becomes stronger.
At times, two individuals or organizations can appear as opposites. Their differences are so great it is as if they are at opposing ends of the spectrum, black versus white or rigid versus flexible. As I work through the conversations in this space I find myself coming back to three mantras.
Dialogue occurs when individuals share their agendas openly. Even on tough issues it is possible. In looking at relationships, Paul’s candor opens up the opportunity to embrace the central point of his agenda; “Marriage is spiritually and morally right and not inferior to singleness in any way, although as I indicated earlier, because of the times we live in, I do have pastoral reasons for encouraging singleness.” (1 Corinthians 7.38)
Strength emerges when individuals work as a team to accomplish shared values. Resilience and leverage are often natural outcomes. Individuals in this process often see how they are part of a greater story.
Truth experienced will lead to courage.
Sharing agendas with the right approach leads to dialogue. With dialogue, one holds an invitation to walk with another. In walking and working together, one experiences the other. In is this moment that one has a window to know what truth looks and feels like.
Today’s agenda is to see compassion alive in community.
