I woke up this morning to an email asking a question that has repeatedly been answered. If I take a deep breath, my “why have you not been listening to me” scream will pass. I know that the question is genuine. I understand that there is an honest intent to make sure we are all on the same page. Out of respect, it is a question deserving an answer.
The reason the question has any life rests on three realities. First, each business line is operating in a context. Not everyone can see this context. Because of the lack of sight, questions come up. Telling another that s/he is dumb because they cannot see what you always blocks the development of a shared view. It is important to tell the story the sets up the question. One ruler did not know what to do with an innocent man. As he asked for another view, he shared the context. “I have a man on my hands here, a prisoner left by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the high priests and Jewish leaders brought a bunch of accusations against him and wanted me to sentence him to death.” (Acts 25.14) Letting others into our view is a beginning.
Second, decisions rests are perspectives and understandings. With time, we remember the decision while losing sight of what we saw and knew. Both change. We wonder why and how we could have made the decision. Again, keeping track of the story with a willingness to share is critical. We may want to do something different. That is always an option. Deciding without learning from the past is rarely the best answer.
Third, a community’s grip on an opportunity is potentially stronger than an individual. Each requires conviction. The conviction of many is greater than the one.
I think of the community that is asking this question and realize I am already in their debt. Our collective wisdom will help each make a difference. Our collective understanding is empowering. Our willingness to invest in another strengthens our journey and journeys.
