The key to navigating through contentious times

Posted: June 5, 2020 | Categories: Self-Improvement, Team Building

Our nation has been going through a storm the past three months.  First came the Corona Virus, then the civil unrest sparked by the George Floyd tragedy.  We are all stirred up, and each day are compelled to choose the right thinking that keeps us moving forward.

Just this week, Suzanne Corr, Executive Director of the Barrington, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, wrote a column billed, “Listen with the heart”.  She talked about some things we can do to have conversations that are valuable rather than divisive.

This reminded me of an interview I heard nearly 20 years ago.  It was on a morning news program, and former Education Secretary William Bennett was being interviewed.  He had just written his book, “Death of Outrage”.  It was in reference to then President Clinton and the political scandal that led to his impeachment.  It was a book critical of the President.  At the same time, Robert Bennett (William’s brother) was the defense attorney for President Clinton.  The interviewer pointed this out and said, “I take it you and your brother don’t get along”.   William immediately replied, “That’s wrong.  My brother and I love each other, are very close, and we spend as much time together as we can.  We were both brought up to be our own person.  That is who we are.  Just because you have different views doesn’t mean you can’t be close”

Both of my boys are in their early 30’s, and they have different political views.  They love each other and spend a lot of time together.  Caution:  I am by no means recommending that you go around getting involved in political discussions.  In both the case of the Bennett brothers and my sons, you have to have built a solid base of love and trust.  Have a quality conversation with someone you love, trust and respect.  Listen to understand.  Expect to learn something!

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