by Patti Blackstaffe, November 2010
A difference of opinion, a healthy debate and viewpoints as varied and unique as the people who have them are what make the dynamics of humanity so fascinating and what can drive us to find solutions and improve the world in which we live.
Tragedy
Hatred, violence and attack based on those differing opinions is what makes humanity seem frightening at times, it strikes fear into the very heart of who we are and makes us question our own security and the society in which we live. One such example is the Tucson, Arizona shooting this weekend.
While I may not live in Tucson, or the United States for that matter, I am deeply affected by reports of 6 people dead and 14 injured at a neighbourhood shopping centre, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Some people showed up to hear her speak, others showed up for groceries and their lives have forever been altered.
At the base of this tragedy stand some fundamental leadership lessons we are forced to face as we watch the news unfold. We are all at this time being called to examine how our opinions and beliefs are supported and shared. We are being called to take a different view point on what our missions are, to recognize how our words affect others, and to understand that life – every life – is to be valued and cherished.
Empathy
Over the last number of years I have expressed my thoughts about leadership and am often asked what the most important leadership trait is. My answer is empathy. For without empathy for the opinions, choices, thoughts, direction and lives led by others we are not in a position to truly serve the people which we have the privilege of leading. Many of us lead without title; we lead in our community, in our homes and in our workplaces.
As we become embroiled in our own agendas, fight the battles we believe are worth fighting and take the sides which make the most sense to us as individuals, sometimes we lose sight of the big picture. We make the fight for power and advancement the main focus and grow blind to what is really important – doing what is right and fair and just alongside the humanity we share this beautiful planet with.
Freedom
Freedom comes with great responsibility. I celebrate today, the freedom with which I may debate and that I am free to differ in opinion and thought from someone else. I celebrate that those who differ in thought and opinion belong to the same central nervous system that is humanity. I celebrate that they are beautiful, have families and loved ones who see more than I see, that they have travelled a different path to get to where they are and I recognize that their stories are as important as mine.
I will never, ever, condone or celebrate violence to another based on a differing opinion or idea for violence begets more violence and it is never the solution for making the world a better place to live.
I challenge you as I challenge myself today to seek to address conflict in a healthy way that will allow you to learn more about another person and find ways to collaborate in solutions to benefit the whole. I extend that challenge to all who feel the same way to prove that the internet, social media, You Tube and other means of communication can be used to show the world what kindness and love can do if spread widely on a global basis. I challenge you to value life, value others and to open your hearts to humanity peeling away hatred, violence and harm and replace it with forgiveness, understanding and compassion.
Each and every one of us has a tiny little fraction of time on this planet to positively affect those we connect with, I pray we not waste it by building harm and hatred, by seeking power at all cost and by forgetting to take care of each other like the family we are.
Prayers
Our hearts and prayers go out to the many people whose lives have been forever altered by the terrible shooting in Tucson. For the people who are no longer with us (U.S. District Judge John Roll, 63; Christina Greene, 9; Gabe Zimmerman, 30; Dorothy Morris, 76; Dorwin Stoddard, 76; and Phyllis Scheck, 79.) please take a moment in silence to think about the loss to their families and communities. Then consider all families worldwide who suffer loss at the hands of violence and hatred.
Thanks for listening.
Patti is a strategic advisor in Leadership, Customer Service and Cultural integration through Mergers and Acquisition. You can book her to speak at her personal page.
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