Aggressiveness
If we are to create a new world order based on collective solutions, we need to change our paradigm. Climate change, the Millennium Development Goals, viral pandemics… all these need us to work together. But we also need to work together in our daily lives. Do you want to reduce unemployment? It's simple, as long as 'everyone' participates in the effort. As long as we all make the necessary sacrifices we will succeed. As long as we all base our decisions on our own interest we will not.
I've often wondered where this aggression comes from. Is it genetic? Is it drawn from our ancient tribal past? Do we need to be aggressive to survive? If that were the case then how did we manage to progress so much? Is not science, predicated on open collaboration? Is not education an act of passing on one's knowledge selflessly?
I was recently in a business meeting and the tone just did not suit me. Instead of everyone working towards a common solution, it was all about positioning. What was most disturbing is that the tone of the meeting was rising over the most trivial issues. Later that day, I was at a meeting that was just the opposite. Participants were really willing to compromise both on their positions and the resources they brought to the process. It was about "what can I do for the process" rather than "what can the process do for me?"
As I move into my fifties, I think it's time for me to also rethink the way I deal with staff, clients, partners and even competitors. I want to try to find a gentler tone. I want to start and end a meeting with the intent to achieve collaboration rather than gain. Does this go against the fundamental rules of business? Can one only succeed if one champions over the other? I'm not sure, but I'm definitely going to try. My most hated phrase in the English language: "every man for himself".
I'll leave you with a thought. I like oranges better than bananas because they allow me to share more easily. Just a thought!
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