Its not just an awesome song, but quite seriously a reality. It feels kind of surreal as we watch it happen. I was recently at an event where no one seemed to know what each other was truly saying and the tension was thick. Part of what made it so confusing was the person leading the discussion appeared to be supporting an idea that was way out of character for him. I watched, I listened, I was grasping for any sense of it all. I don't think I was alone. Yet, amongst us was vultures, ready to take advantage of this miscommunication for personal gain. They remain true to character.
The facilitator was visibly distraught when I saw him an hour or so later. He did not understand how he was interpreted so far from what he was trying to say. I asked him if anyone knew ahead of time what he had planned on saying. No. That could have helped. I have heard him speak before, and have known him for years. I asked him some questions that pieced together previous times I have heard him and knowing his passion for the topic with this recent incident. He really meant to rekindle a previous speech with a discussion. It sadly took a drastic turn.
This was not only a lesson in communication, but also in leadership (ironic, much?). Leaders need not lead alone. A leader must gather forces before charging forward. This was an attempt to rally troops that weren't all on the same side. Perhaps with the absence of just a couple, that could have happened. A leader must recognize who their allies are, and maybe more importantly, who they aren't. Then they may proceed, communicating differently between the two.
Predetermined allies within the crowd would have made a world of difference. I hope that those who know him went home and gave thought to who they really know him to be. They will then be able to discern what he was trying to accomplish. I hope, too, that he will be given an opportunity to clarify his intentions.
The facilitator was visibly distraught when I saw him an hour or so later. He did not understand how he was interpreted so far from what he was trying to say. I asked him if anyone knew ahead of time what he had planned on saying. No. That could have helped. I have heard him speak before, and have known him for years. I asked him some questions that pieced together previous times I have heard him and knowing his passion for the topic with this recent incident. He really meant to rekindle a previous speech with a discussion. It sadly took a drastic turn.
This was not only a lesson in communication, but also in leadership (ironic, much?). Leaders need not lead alone. A leader must gather forces before charging forward. This was an attempt to rally troops that weren't all on the same side. Perhaps with the absence of just a couple, that could have happened. A leader must recognize who their allies are, and maybe more importantly, who they aren't. Then they may proceed, communicating differently between the two.
Predetermined allies within the crowd would have made a world of difference. I hope that those who know him went home and gave thought to who they really know him to be. They will then be able to discern what he was trying to accomplish. I hope, too, that he will be given an opportunity to clarify his intentions.
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