“What do we need to get this going?”
It was an interesting question. There are so many places where one could start. Resources, technology capabilities, legal frameworks, and business models are just the beginning. There are the obvious questions of why, how, and what to wrestle with. As I thought about the endless dimensions and the hurdles I could already see, I realized there was a common theme running through everything.
“How about blunt, brutal, and open candor?”
The statement was met with a wry smile and eyes that have seen and experienced this before. “Good idea.”
The conversation that followed filled me with renewed hope. It was not as if the details were pretty, quite the opposite. On multiple fronts there was a recurring sentiment that echoed an old statement; “I’m wasting away to nothing, I’m burning up with fever.” (Psalm 102.3) If we were going to move forward, it was going to be difficult, problematic, and challenging.
As I look to the future, I am reminded that candor is rarely easy. By the fact that we usually wrestle with the idea, candor is often linked with unpleasant news, difficult subjects, and views that are hard for one or more to embrace.
Candor frequently travels with risk. Will others in the conversation be open to candor? Will each take the time to ask the clarifying questions with a goal of understanding? If the actions are missing, then risks grow.
Once candor shows itself, it is difficult to ignore. In being present, candor gifts everyone with the need to respond. Acceptance, denial, or reflection are the obvious alternatives. I often find myself starting with one and ending up with another. Experience suggests that reflection is a window to all things positive.
As the conversation turned towards what we should do next, I realized we were in a very good place. The gaps, barriers, and challenges were on the table. We can see them. We have a plan that leverages our strengths together with the help of others. I hope candor stays with us for the ride.
