These days, it’s hard to know the difference in “hindering” or “helping”. How does one go about telling the difference? IN MY MIND, as long as there’s no intention to bring any trouble to anyone or anything, would it matter in the end?
Those that know me…know…I only do things after having a pretty clear “bigger picture” of things. I don’t hold grudges. I don’t have a hidden agenda. I don’t play politics. I’m not fake. I believe in the greater good. I hold myself and those around me to high standards. I’m brutally blunt. I like a challenge. I don’t back down. I’m pretty darn stubborn too.
If you didn’t know this about me…now you do!
I get involved with lots of organizations. A phrase, probably poorly paraphrased, “…it’s better to be a part of the solution than part of the problem”. I choose to be a part of the solution. If you are ever offended or think I’m “out to get you” or “it’s personal” when I bring forth something that needs attention; maybe you should look deep within yourself. Maybe that is how YOU think when you do things….it does not mean the rest of the world does.
Something I’ve learned this last year, during my involvement, is that sometimes it’s okay to piss people off. They often remove themselves. If they are/were the problem then doing so means now they become part of the solution. I also learned that I had to open my heart and mind to accepting people that I normally would have NEVER become associated with in other circumstances. I think it has yielded me a few good friendships and some respect. I have aligned myself with people who think like I do and might have a better way to present it or need my style to present it for them. It’s a partnership for the greater good.
TODAY…I’ve spent four days trying to figure out how to handle another situation with another organization for which I’m involved. The circle of people are very unapproachable and there seems to be a LOT of other people who prefer to just not stir the pot. This is far more serious than hurting people’s feelings. It could mean the entire organization explodes (or implodes) and it’s existence could be in jeopardy. As I stated earlier, I’ve looked at the “bigger picture” and it seems that no matter what path I choose, I’m guilty. My mere reputation, though misunderstood, would yield pointing and whispering behind my back. Not to mention, misguided repercussions towards my child. It’s because of my child that I’m a part of this organization. It’s because of my child I want to see this organization stand tall. It’s because of the children that follow my child that I want to be able to boast, “I helped that organization see it’s potential”.
I feel like my guilt by association may be guiding me into a potentially bad decision.
I needed to put this out here…hope for a bite.
HOW do you approach a situation where people running an organization appear to be running it for their own good rather than a greater good. When you’ve been asked to “help and/or volunteer”, you do and then you are told, “never mind, we found someone”. Or you spend hours standing in your yard talking to one of them (who only calls you when they want something they KNOW you’ll be happy to give them) – agreeing on how things need to be better, only to see them act like you don’t exist when in the group?
CLIMB ABOARD MY SOAPBOX 