It's easy to differentiate between right and wrong when it comes to big events, but when it comes to the smaller, more detailed events of living and working, that becomes a much more delicate process.
Recently in my professional world there have been a number of issues raised that fall into that delicate category--a category that depends on good research, understanding, and focus. There are many perspectives involved and it seems like many have partial rather than full knowledge of the areas of consideration. Truly to make good decisions related to these issues, it's necessary to pull them apart, work together, and collectively think it through. I don't believe these are decisions that belong to one or another, but instead issues that belong to all and demand the voice and discussion of all to come to good conclusion.
We too often want to jump to the decision without making the time to truly discuss an issue with depth and purpose. Yet when we jump to decide we're often left with a decision that is rarely satisfying or does the job we set out to do. The foundation is weakened when this happens.
Good decisions demand strategic, inclusive, and thoughtful process. Rushing to decide with delicate, complex issues typically serves no one well.
Doing what is right and good profits from our transparent, inclusive, collective efforts.
I saw this happen with regard to the election this year. Our school community did a good job with this because right away at the end of the summer people knew it wasn't a simple issue and with that in mind, many came together to discuss what was happening and how we should sensitively and inclusively teach children about our democracy with this election in mind. Overall we've had good success in this regard.
Like everyone, I sometimes want to jump ahead with decisions when inspired, and I caution myself as well as all, that important decisions demand our "collective genius" more often than the decision of one or a few.
