January 31, 2013

Organizations

There are times when we reach a point to where we ask…..”REALLY?”   Many of us volunteer in civic, professional, church and a variety of other organizations.   The reasons we do are varied and range from obligations to the family to professional growth and development. And, regardless of the type of organization, it also comes with individuals and individual opinions and those can be tangled into a web of frustration.

Opinions

Be prepared for opinions from all members and, while they can serve to strengthen the group, they can be quite harmful.  Some opinions may be powerful just because of the person’s personality while others are overpowering because of the person’s hunger for fame and acknowledgement.  Regardless, when faced with situations like this, you may have to evaluate how you respond.

What do you do?

You have an option and should evaluate the following:

1. Why is the other person’s opinions bothering you?  Are you in the wrong instead of the other person?
2. What type of group is it?  Is it a required group or is it voluntary?   Could you step away if no resolution comes?
3. Have you expressed your concerns, in an appropriate manner, with the other person? If so, base your actions on the other person’s response.
   Are you wasting your time or are you wasting the time of others?
4. What items cause you to have a difference of opinions?  If a professional group, is the other person asserting his/her control over your own role?   If so, have you voiced your dislike?  Does the other person hold a role that is over your own?  Or, does he/she simply wish to assert his/her control?  If so, are his/her opinions valid?

A Circle is a Rectangle

A white circle and a white rectangle are the same.   If you put them both on a white background they both disappear.  So, if you find yourself in a disagreement over a white circle or a white rectangle that are the same, you have an issue.

The question is:  ”How do I resolve?”

Sometimes…it is best to walk away.