Just returned refreshed from a wonderful relaxing vacation!
One of the things that we did was attend an AGM (Annual General Meeting) for a Rate Payers Association. I give kudos to them for the absolute transparency in their process!
As I observed, I noticed a common team decision dilemma occur. Individuals had shared a concern that was common to many, despite that they may have shared it from their own perspective (from safety to legal concerns). The chair was attempting to get this meeting done on a glorious sunny afternoon and took the first suggestion raised and attempted to get consensus. This is where the process became derailed.
Clearly, most people were in agreement of the problem — consensus had been reached on the concern. The solution was a different story. It causes me to reflect on how easy it is to identify problems than it is to find the solution to them.
I remember many meetings where once the problem was clearly identified, some individuals became silent, while others continued to reiterate their concern. As a change agent, I recognize that for consensus to be reached on a solution, it often requires discussing many potential solutions. There needs to be given space to come up with creative solutions.
That means that the most verbose need to sit quietly and allow the quieter, introverts to speak up. That also means that introverts need to take the risk to speak up. At times when silence occurs, it can be uncomfortable for all and we then tend to do what is most comfortable to us … speak up again or remain silent. So I encourage you, no I request of you, to break out of your comfort zone and do the opposite of your normal behaviour.
You see, being a change agent requires risk … you need to speak up, to listen up and then to openly discuss the potential solution. Then you must be prepared to take action.
Happy Risking! May the solutions you find today lead you to inspiration!
Sylvia
