Everyday I face a choice that determines my destiny. Confronted by events and observed behaviors, be they in short encounters or in the global news, the question comes along as a familiar tagline, prompting me to pause and ponder:
How shall I respond?
How shall I respond?
The stakes are high. In each response – each deliberate thought, under-the-breath comment, conversation, Facebook forward or post, et al – I establish and reinforce my position in the world. The particular situation’s content and details matter little in this context. What matters is how I choose to be influenced and formed by these situations, and how I choose to exercise my influence in the world around me.
So, I choose to believe in people and trust.
I choose to believe that people show up to work every morning wanting to do a good job and that they offer their best effort given the day’s concerns. I believe that people want to be happy and want to support those they love. I trust that people act in accordance with their deepest values and beliefs.
While I may not agree with what I observe, I take my cue from Cynthia Wigglesworth (SQ21) and ask: what would it take for me to do the same behavior? Given the same biology, culture, and background, would I not do the same thing? And then, what is the noblest thing to do in this situation?
Believing in people and trusting comes from getting to know people. While we cannot know everyone, we know family, friends, and colleagues. Taking steps to know them better, we learn how to trust and build resilience within our workplaces and homes.
Admittedly, this is as much aspirational as it is actual. And it will always be aspirational. Because today, I once again will face that high stakes question: how shall I respond?
Quote
The more you know about another person’s journey, the less possible it is for you to dislike them or distrust them. Parker Palmer
Web
Here is a brief video of Parker Palmer on the value of trust at home and in the workplace (watch now)
So, I choose to believe in people and trust.
I choose to believe that people show up to work every morning wanting to do a good job and that they offer their best effort given the day’s concerns. I believe that people want to be happy and want to support those they love. I trust that people act in accordance with their deepest values and beliefs.
While I may not agree with what I observe, I take my cue from Cynthia Wigglesworth (SQ21) and ask: what would it take for me to do the same behavior? Given the same biology, culture, and background, would I not do the same thing? And then, what is the noblest thing to do in this situation?
Believing in people and trusting comes from getting to know people. While we cannot know everyone, we know family, friends, and colleagues. Taking steps to know them better, we learn how to trust and build resilience within our workplaces and homes.
Admittedly, this is as much aspirational as it is actual. And it will always be aspirational. Because today, I once again will face that high stakes question: how shall I respond?
Quote
The more you know about another person’s journey, the less possible it is for you to dislike them or distrust them. Parker Palmer
Web
Here is a brief video of Parker Palmer on the value of trust at home and in the workplace (watch now)
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