Sometimes we end up in win-lose situations. I just came from one of those meetings where members had to vote on an issue of great concern. Some people asked for 100% agreement, which considering the opposing positions was not going to happen. Others were very focused on the here and now, addressing only the current money situation without regard for future growth. Still others saw the bigger picture feeling the urgency for moving forward now on the project to draw in future income and membership. So who’s right?
It started off well by letting everyone get a chance to voice their opinion. Of course with open expression, you get opposing points of view. As I sat in the back of the room observing people, I could see the tension rise in their body language and tone of voice. As the tensions rose, it became more about getting their point across instead of hearing others to understand. I knew some people were going to walk away unhappy with the decision. That’s what happens in a win-lose situation.
How an organization handles the dissension can make or break their future.
Several things could happen. Some people could ‘pick up their marbles’ and leave never to return. Others can stay but secretly sabotage the majority decision. The ‘winners’ could gloat about their win or feel ‘superior’ that they were right and the ‘losers’ were wrong. All of these reactions are what causes division. Where there is division, people take their focus off the real purpose of the organization – the mission – the values – the heart.
The key is to remember all parts (people) are interdependent on one another in making a functioning whole (organization).
Different points of view are important to cover all aspects of a project but never lose sight of the core – the ‘why we are all here’ heart of the group. Like many groups, our mission is to serve a particular group of people following well laid out guidelines on how to achieve this mission. That mission has not changed, only our emotions.
Now is the time to work towards unity, not uniformity.
Respecting the differing opinions and realizing all people are an integral part of the success of the organization. Let’s find ways to incorporate the skills and abilities of our group back into the core values of the organization. Restate our mission, the guidelines established and why we need everyone’s perspective to continue to move forward. The message is clear: we value all people, not just the individuals that won the vote.
Remember, we may be asked to wait, compromise, or accept what we did not want this time but there will be more times in the future where the vote may go the other way.
Have faith!
Jean
