(This is an observation of the current political process, not a criticism of any particular party. All parties are culpable.)
We all see the conundrum: It’s in the best interest of the minority political party to not cooperate with the party in the majority. If the minority party works with the ruling party…the ruling party receives the credit for progress achieved. And if this were to happen, then the ruling party has an increased chance of getting re-elected. And the minority party remains a minority.
Sometimes leaders in business mimic this approach. “It’s in the best interest of my career goals for me not to include you in this meeting, because you will steal the spotlight I need.” Or, “I won’t endorse your ideas or project because that will deplete the resources I need for my initiative.” They may not say these things, but actions speak louder than words.
Here’s a question for your team that can activate the potential inherent in tomorrow: Are we willing to, and capable of, taking the “high road” – and not receiving credit for doing so? What does it look like to do the right thing even it if means others will “benefit” more than us?
Organizations that merely gather a ‘collection of people having careers’ will always lose to a group of people who have identified an interest, a purpose, greater than themselves. In this age of turmoil, what’s needed is even more ‘high road activism,’ where we take a stand for a culture of inclusiveness.
In the end, it’s the only way we can sustain a collective movement forward. And maybe (is the idea too radical?) we can shape the way politicians do business, too.
Craig, so true, somewhere along the American History, we have lost the American Spirit. The Spirit of working together, cooperation, collaboration for the higher Good. We have sunk into a debilitating finger pointing exercise, remeniscent of Kindergarten playground. We cannot afford to stay here…TRUELY….where we give up and do Nothing…we need more Big 5 Upstream Leadership
Dale, your reference to Big 5 Leadership is an outstanding reference, and here’s why: To your point, we must do something. And so using this tool where we can effect change in our lives becomes increasingly important. Thank you for your passion!
Craig
This is among the most powerful statements I have ever read. When what you read and/or at times hear makes you [stop] to consider whether or not you’re being the best you – you may be, you’ve stumbled on to something. As timing would have it I was listening to a speech of Martin Luther King Jr., just last evening. The essence of his message was, and I paraphrase, “an individuals greatness is directly proportional to the measure of their service to others.” Such qualities transcend virtually every aspect of life, whether they be among your family, friends, community, and yes, even the manner in which you serve your employer and/or employees. These things and subsequent behaviors transform, enable, perpetuate, sustain the extraordinary, and all benefits which may ensue.
Thank you for setting the stage for days of excellence. Craig and Steve you guy’s ROCK and inspire!
John
John – Now it’s your note that gives me pause. It’s a reminder that it does little good to point fingers at the politicians, to blame them. (Doing so certainly doesn’t empower me forward.) And so, given the quote you share, I wonder: What does it look like to be in service to them? (Perhaps to radical to consider?)
As always, my friend, thanks for advancing the conversation!
Craig
Whether in the minority or majority it is important to look for the optimal solution rather than “the win”. There is a place for honest disagreement and working through this can improve ideas put forward by either majority or minority.
Both are obliged to seek partnership, but if anything it is the majority that is best able to set the tone for this through inclusiveness since the majority starts from the position of power. Sometimes that even means intentionally sharing credit.
“Honest disagreement” – this is critical in my mind. The proposition is not that we all think alike or harbor the same tendencies, values, etc. It’s the discovery and creation of something greater than who we are individually – that’s the magic you’re reminding us of, Larry.
What you share resonates strongly. Thanks –
Craig
Thank you for this wonderful connection to a community of people who understand that we all are better, all together…I just read the full speeches from the last few nights, in a home with out TV by choice…and I also had the honor of listening to two other mentors in my life, Robert and Craig just this Tuesday in the company of a workforce I have shared my life with over the last eighteen yeras. My desire to speak up about the wonderful strengths and sincere hearts i see at work every day in all of them and to build up, lift up and share joy with, what better way to live?
Thank you all for inspiring me to be…me!
Larry has a key point. When the majority is inclusive from a place of power, then everyone wins.
Great replies so far! A very timely and accurate post. The Political climate is peaking with the convention season, and businesses are headed to the end of year and budget planning for the next year. What a great time to promote collaborttion, recognize success and build Big Rs. When I first read this post I thought of family. Imagine if we could break down the political world, and the business world to operate like a family; caring for one another, cheering one another on, wanting the next generation to be better than this one. Maybe it’s too simple. Makes sense to me. Thanks Craig and Steve for the direction. It feels good.
That’s a vision we can continue to hold – that we can make this world better for the next generation. There is evidence that this is not currently so. But because we “go toward our focus” the vision you’re reminding us of, Rich, becomes that much more important. Count us as “all in” when it comes to choosing a belief system about our future that propels us forward!
Craig