Perspectives

Publisher’s Perspective, Volume 4, Issue 3

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

These familiar words state the fundamental purposes, principles, and goals of the government established by the Constitution. Its purpose is to generally define the reasons behind the Constitution, establish what justifies a government, and explain how its citizens have come to create one.

These words, penned more than 220 years ago, still inspire those of us struggling to develop meaningful and lasting relationships today. What we should recognize is that these words do not speak just to the quality of the document, but rather to the quality of the people involved in creating the document.

Human nature, being what it is, convinces us that assembled together in that far away September of yesteryear were people from different parts of the country and with different perspectives and goals. Frustration may have brought them together, but commitment to a common goal kept them working together for the benefit of their generation and the generations to come.

So must it be for us today. Are we willing to unite behind a common goal of damage prevention, and has that common goal been defined yet? What are we willing to do to help keep our state a safer place to live and work? Is it possible to achieve such an honorable yet difficult goal? Of course the answer is, “Yes”.

It begins with trust. You can have a committee without trust, but you can’t have a meaningful relationship without trust. Think about the groups, committees, or boards to which you belong. If there is someone in that committee that you just can’t trust, the problem will very likely be you. If you aren’t willing to trust one another, any perceived success will be short-lived.

The next critical step in maintaining the relationship is good old fashion honesty and integrity. If it needs said, say it, but say it with kindness. If we can’t say it with kindness, don’t say it all. If you can’t say it so as to build the bridge, then what you are about to say is above your pay grade. Find someone who can mediate or facilitate the issue so as not to tear down what’s already established.

One of the most vital qualities for a strong and meaningful relationship, for bringing all stakeholders together, even those who may not agree with you, is the ability to listen with all your heart. This kind of relationship requires that our listening goes beyond just words. We must connect emotionally with others to accomplish what we are unable to accomplish alone. Listening intently to what the person is not saying is just as important as listening to what is being said. Rather than get frustrated at the tone of voice being used, try to understand why they struggle so to get their message across. We want people not only to hear what we say, but also to feel what we feel.

If we understand this to be true, then how much more important is it that each of us sets the example for creating the environment that allows all of our stakeholders to be winners in creating a more fair and effective damage prevention program?

“Impossible!” you say. Honestly, I don’t know if it’s possible; I only know it’s necessary.

Happy birthday, America, and I salute all those who worked through their differences to achieve the impossible.