Bit of information and data flood my life. Emails, corporate and personal, are constantly chirping on the blackberry and iPhone. Presentations arrive, asking to be reviewed, commented, and put into action. When one adds phone calls, conversations, and the other ways individuals and institutions communicate, life is filled with chaos.
Everything reached a head with an emergency meeting. To the others, our input was critical. We had not engaged and they were running out of time. As we sat down in the crowded room, it felt like we were under a harsh interrogation light. The lead handed out a presentation and began the introduction. As I quickly glanced through the deck, I realized that I had no idea what I was reading. It was in English, however the words did not help.
I needed context. I needed clarity.
It is helpful when others provide clarity and insight. An old wisdom father defended himself with a crisp summary of events.
“There was no crowd, there was no disturbance. It was some Jews from around Ephesus who started all this trouble.” (Acts 24.18)
In my case, this was missing. Admitting this was not natural. There was a reasonable chance that everyone else in the room understood. I knew I could be passively resistant, but I was not sure that would be helpful – for them or for me.
“I may be the village idiot. Candidly, I do not understand the presentation. I can read the words. However, they make no sense. What are you trying to do? What is the ideal outcome?”
The conversation that followed took on a direction that the room did not anticipate. Instead of focusing on what the pages were asking for, we talked about the efforts we had underway. We explored the ways we could leverage our activities for the advantage of the group. The negatives present at the beginning of the meeting gave way to an invitation to More.
I look back at my fear and I wonder why it was so strong. It could have something to do with my grip.
