Choose If/Then
Image taken by the Author on the Art Walk in Elk Rapids, MI -

Choose If/Then

One of my favorite activities around the house is to mow my lawn. I mean it. I enjoy it because it takes between 2 to 3 hours to do it. I’m a bit old fashioned in that I walk to mow. It’s incredible excercise which allows me to let my thoughts wander and have a good think.

As I was dripping with sweat this weekend taking my weekly lawn mowing jaunt, I was pieceing together something that has been troubling me lately with how people are choosing to interact in person, on line and through the media. More and more it seems that we are becoming an “either/or” society. Every situation and every issue tries to be dissected into two sides. The sentiment that is prevailing is that I either need to believe in what you believe, or I am adamantly against you.

It doesn’t help that we get snippets of information, or opinion, and we call that “news.” News that infuriates most and raises the temperature with every story that is shared. In looking at this, it shocks me how we take these tidbits of information and form full fledged approaches to our daily living. We have become so self-consumed and self-focused that anything happening around is also is either for us or against us.

I have never been comfortable with being presented with only two choices in life. To think that the amazing, complex, intricate and ever-changing world we live in can be simplified into such concrete black and white terms seems constricting and narrow. Truth be told, I think people want an “either/or” pattern in life because we don’t like variability. Each day we think our existence is to trod to work to fix everything because it’s ALL broken. (That’s not true, but we like to think it is because that’s how we find purpose in our work. That’s for another post some day.)

People also want to be “right” and have some sense of control. Uncertainity gives us the shakes and we want things defined. Change is our enemy even though change occurs whether we want it to or not. I’d like to offer a different approach to implement when it comes to facing each day.

Choose an “if/then” approach.

If you remember geometry, you had to figure out mathematical proofs using if/then statements. What this did was take the situation/circumstance/fact you start with and say, “If this . . . then that.” The then statement would give you options to consider. This method gives you the opportunity to take an objective look at things as they come forward.

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A few weeks ago, my wife Debbie and I went on an Art Walk in Elk Rapids, Michigan. It was a meandering trail through a local park where artists had created and displayed their work. You had a flyer which led you from piece to piece and it was very cool and relaxing to see. The canopy of the trees provided a break from the heat and you could hear the rustling of leaves, the chatter of squirrels and the various calls of birds. It was a true escape. One of the sculptures we saw was called “Peace Signs” by Scott Froschauer and it captured my attention both because of the message as well as the if/then thinking. I was grateful to have a break from my normal overly full life to take this hike and discover a message that rang true with me. Normally, I would be consumed with the day-to-day pull for my energy and attention and may have missed this literal signpost which caused me to pause.

This coming week what would happen if you adopted some if/then approaches to all you do both at work and at home? Here are some I’ve been trying:

? If I take time to talk to my neighbors more intentionally, then we may have a true neighborhood.

? If I make sure to interact with my peers at work all the time, then we would communicate better and not just meet because of “issues.”

? If I choose to listen to those who disagree with me, then I may learn a new perspective to consider.

? If I encourage others on purpose, then they may have a better day then they were expecting.

The opportunities are endless. The key to an if/then approach is that it focuses on action and movement. I choose to do this so I can be positive regardless of the constant push of darkness, gloom and cynicism which keeps trying to swallow us all.

If you’ll take this new approach, then think of how each day you have will be better for you and those around you !! Peace.

Jon Morrill, Veteran, MBA, SHRM-SCP, CUDE

Strategic senior leadership partner, former Vice President of Human Resources for Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union and public sector leader.

4 年

Thank you for sharing.

回复
BARBARA MOSHE

Customer Account Specialist at Adecco

4 年

Thank you for sharing this ??? I believe many of our LinkedIn members also recognize the value of "If, then" thinking. And this ideology brings to mind lessons that someone taught me years ago. To wit, face the beast that troubles you. Acknowledge what could unfold, in the event of concern. If a, b, c, then x, y, z. Thinking through as best as possible what exists beyond the parameters of specific scenarios, may allow us to envision hope. All of us have burdens, but keeping an open mind about how to deal really does help. Even in the belly of this nightmare pandemic: If we get through this, then we will be stronger. May better days find us all.

Bobbie Grice

Educational Consultant for First and Second Year Teachers

4 年

You have much wisdom! Thanks for sharing the artist’s peace signs.

Thomas Mobley, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

Miami University - Farmer School of Business Owner Mobley HR Consulting

4 年

UC HR Succeeds students, alumni and friends having a socially distanced fireside chat last night about BLM and how we as HR professionals can make a difference. Jackie W. (she/her) Brenden Clinton, SHRM-CP Gagandeep Singh Derrick A. Bennett Taniya Sehgal Christina Moneta

  • 该图片无替代文字
Jackie W.

Employee Relations | Human Resources | Neurodiversity Advocate | Community Collaborator | Amateur Nature Photographer

4 年

Steve - last night our UC HR fireside chat group with Thomas Mobley, SPHR talked about what it's going to take to be effective in helping to resolve some of the complex situations/issues that have awaked around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Too often what crosses the desks of HR leaders is the result of "either/or" thinking. The sign post art in the picture is a reminder that if we choose "if/then" thinking as leaders, we may be able to more positively impact outcomes. As a result we may also be able to convert some "either/or" thinkers to an "if/then" mindset, and hopefully create a ripple effect!

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