I am working on a celebration event. Fortunately I am not working on this alone. While there are many helpers, two are working as equal partners. I am struck by the different ways we approach the challenges and logistics. Even though we have known each other for decades, we see the challenges and opportunities very differently. My initial reaction was one of concern. What would we do when we disagreed? How were we going to bridge the gaps? Was there a consensus available or would a top dog style of decision making emerge?
My story in the middle of a story is one of hope. We look at life from a range of perspectives. It could be politics or personal style; it does not really matter. We are as different as we are the same. From what I can see so far this is what makes the process works.
It would be natural for one or more of us to take a low profile. Lucky for everyone, I have not seen anyone take that approach. From my perspective, the quote from an old book that fits my response to any suggestion that a contrarian view is not wanted or needed goes like this; “If Ear said, ‘I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,’ would you want to remove it from the body?” (1 Corinthians 12.17)
Our differences allow us to see more than any one individual could. It is a wonderful to be able to see this way. I wish that I had this advantage in every moment.
The way we solve problems on the surface appears to be very different. In reality, we have a larger decision toolbox to work with. With the trust born from exploring our insights, we can utilize the process that best fits.
In listening with a willingness to learn, we are growing individually and as a team. The combination is building a foundation that we will be able to draw on when the challenges become more severe.
I am cautiously confident.
