“Start being wrong and suddenly anything is possible. You are no longer trying to be perfect. … Of course, being wrong is a risk. People worry about suggesting stupid ideas because of what others might think. … Risks are a measure of people. People who won’t take them are trying to preserve what they have. People who take them often end up by having more. Some risks have a future, and some people call them wrong.” Paul Arden

I think there are always moments when I am about to say something that may be controversial or different from the direction the group leaning. Or maybe I am going to ask one of those tough values or ethical questions … I hesitate and wonder about the response. I might be making some people uncomfortable, I might hear further discussions that shift my thinking towards the group, I might be wrong.

When I was younger, I often let those opportunities to speak up pass me by, as I get older, I am less worried about my ego and my feelings and more focused on the topic and ensuring that when we reach consensus, we have thought about the topic from all sides.

It is difficult to feel that fear, the possibility of rejection. As social beings, most of us want to be part of the group and to say something that might be in opposition or different from the group mindset can generate anxiety. At the same time, if you can stay focused on wanting the best possible outcome, then whether what you say is right or wrong becomes less important, and the idea that every aspect of the topic and possible creative solutions have been explored becomes the goal.

Sign Up For Our Blog!