It is interesting to watch the reactions to others to new ideas. As I sat is a review of a proposition, it was clear that the majority sitting in the meeting thought they had a clear grasp of the proposition. To the outside observer, the comments and body language reinforced an agenda that was to clarify. Initially, things got off to a predictable start.
About a third of the way through the meeting, someone asked a question and offered an observation. I did not sense any strong intent or hidden agenda. The questions came across with the best interests of all in mind.
As the question lingered, I realized everyone, myself included, was looking at the proposal differently. It was amazing! The observation was not particularly profound, but it was something that we had not thought of. With the question sitting unanswered, everyone reacted in slightly different ways.
Some were curious. Follow-up clarity questions were thrown onto the table with interest.
Some were initially dismissive. They thought they had the final answer and questioned the questioner. Ironically, the simple answer “I was just wondering” kept the original question and observation in the center of our discussion.
A few grasp the significance of the question and explored the directions it opened.
As the meeting ended on a positive note and shared call to action, I was reminded of an old observation to something new; the “Sea took one look and ran the other way; River Jordan turned around and ran off.” (Psalm 114.3)
I came away excited and energized. This is an example where a meeting produced a stronger proposition. The elements I experienced and hope to replicate included the following.
Start with respect, time, and space. Once embraced, questions of clarity and observations of interest have room to be heard.
There is no need to rush to judgment. Letting time and space do their magic, brought light to otherwise dark spaces.
A willingness to journey with others, even if it seems frivolous and only for a time, can bring unexpected rewards.
Hope came when least expected.
