2024 Week 46 of 52 89% Me

"What about me, it isn't fair, I've had enough, now I want my share" (Moving PIctures 1982 ). When times get tough does the focus turn to 'we' or 'me'? How much of human nature is driven by the individual ‘me’ versus the collective ‘we'?

Assumption could be that in a workplace a shared vision aligning the ‘we’ is the critical element of a successful business. Families that support each other results in stronger mental health and well-being. Schools, sports clubs and other community groups also thrive when the ‘we’ is stronger than the ‘me’. Does this spread to voting, shopping or supportive communities? A product, a brand?

Idealistically for a city to flourish, just like a team in a business, we are aligned, and work together towards the great good, the better 'WE.' Reality is that as life gets tough, real or otherwise, "what about ME?" becomes a bigger driver.

In much of our research over time around encouraging positive community behaviours - e.g. recycling and other environmental change, or supporting locally owned businesses - progress is slower when the common good is the focus. Generally the sweet spot is to do good, with a clear personal benefit, saving or otherwise. The collective well-being is just not enough.

Politics can focus on collective improvement for the marginalised, yet the winning policies are generally very personal - jobs for 'me' and my family et cetera. Trusting that "I am the priority."

What's in it for 'me' is typically more compelling than the 'we.'

Different generations and countries have different drivers.?The US is driven by their constitutional right to freedom, whereas Australia purports to run on a sense of fairness, reality or not, of the little Aussie battler.

Some research exists illustrates younger generations being focused on the 'we,' while in other research they are much more 'me.'

A line of note from the Trump campaign was “"Kamala's for they/them. President Trump is for you." This wording leveraged on Karmala Harris’ public support for the LGBQI+ community - but also plays into the self preserving 'me'.

Trump picked up large segments of marginalised Americans.? The Australian Voice Referendum last year was for many about 'them' and meant less about 'me.' Much of the debate was why are 'they' being treated differently, what about 'me'?

People are fundamentally good, but all have their own very personal challenges.?Finding the intersection between the ‘we’ and the ‘me’ is how change is made. Not blindly assuming 'we' care beyond 'me.' Is social media more about the we or the me?

Have a great Friday and weekend,

Jason

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