There’s one thing that we can all agree on – this US 2016 Election cycle is a particularly crazy one. Whether someone is passionate or dispassionate about following the news, debates, private or group conversations, even the SNL parodies, whether you like the candidates or not the US is clearly divided in terms of future direction. After the dust settles regardless of concept or personal preference we will all still be living in the same world together. When the post-election brouhaha dies down both those who agree with you and those who don’t will still have to work and live together to create a better life for themselves, families and friends.
It’s unfortunate that the dialogue has become personal between the presidential candidates instead of the ideas they represent. When it’s all over the ideas will be what prevails over the personal disputes. Underneath the unfortunate rhetoric there are legitimate concerns of major issues on both sides of the aisle. Are you prepared to listen to those on the other side?
What becomes clear is we are living in a world of increased communication and interaction where everyone’s needs are becoming more visible and equal. To deny that this fundamental shift is taking place only leads to frustration and isolation. The lines between one “group” and another “group” – us vs. them – begin to disappear and become fluid. Labels are disappearing and all that is left is one’s intention. What’s your intention?
As communication between different cultural and racial groups, age groups, men and women, socioeconomic classes, even concepts of independence vs. interdependence come into increased daily interaction, not just within the US but worldwide, the only thing that’s left is your intention. The labels are gone, or rapidly disappearing. Can you redefine yourself by your intention and not by your “group”? This is our collective challenge.
It becomes clear those who succeed in the future are those who see and offer solutions to the needs of others. The size of your circle will determine the size of your success. Do you want to succeed big or just within your current “group”? Are you going to wait for someone else to offer and execute better ideas or are you willing to expand now? Can you survive long-term if you do not? Can you risk getting out of your comfort zone and looking at something from someone else’s point of view?
The world is a wonderful place where often the truth is more fascinating than fiction. One aspect of Intentional Collaboration is to look at a problem or situation from someone else’s point of view. Use their background, knowledge, and cultural or demographic preferences to see what they see. Feel what they feel. Experience what they experience. You expand your awareness and become a richer overall human being by being able to walk in someone else’s shoes. Your level of gratitude increases.
ACTION STEP:
Find a people, point of view, or perspective that you don’t understand. The more it’s one that you don’t like, the more possible growth you can experience later. Take a moment and consider the history and present reality of that perspective. Ask, communicate and interact with those who think that way. Be non-judgmental and assume that you do not know the answer.
After doing some hands-on personal and experiential research you will see things from another point of view. You may not have to agree with it but now you understand why there’s a perceived validity to that perspective. The idea is no longer foreign. It’s now a part of your awareness. It expands your experience as a human being. You now have a greater understanding of your environment. You can react in a more informed way to changes or challenges and you are more of a resource to those around you for your family, friends, and in your career.
This is the way of the future. The labels are disappearing, the social distance between one people and another are becoming smaller, global interaction is increasing and all that’s left is your intention. What’s your intention?
Please share your experience here for all the readers of this community to enjoy!
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Great blog post-Paul, I particularly like the action step of trying to communicate with those who may think differently. Many times the hardest step results in the most growth. It really is about having more awareness. We are more alike than we are different.
Congratulations Paul,
I think you’ve tapped into a stream of dormant consciousness many of us feel but you’ve cogently captured.Malcolm Gladwell in his book Tipping Point suggests that empathy is the human skill set most need on the planet if we are to survive and thrive.I on a personal level have been involved with racial reconciliation and the notion building cross-cultural understanding.It seems begins with intentionality.One problem becomes the discovery of means by which one fosters or generate proactive engagement between and among individuals and/or groups unaware of the power and need to pursue “intentional collaboration, or any system requiring authentic engagement .” Great start with your new blog. I will subscribe.
Paul — Intentional Collaboration is increasingly important given the results of the recent election. It’s simply too easy to vilify those with whom we disagree. As a Palestinian-American teacher at your alma mater, I was instrumental in starting the Dialogue Club along with a Jewish colleague to bring together Arab and Jewish students, and those interested in Middle East culture, history and politics. We tell our stories. We share meals. We break past the flimsy barriers that keep us from seeing our shared humanity, and we become friends. This is the only path toward peace — not drone strikes. not carpet bombing, and not registering Muslims in preparation for deportation or internment. Keep up your great work so that we continue to work toward a world we are proud to leave our children and grandchildren.