Compromise, consensus, collaboration

I am probably the happiest I've been with my career, than any of the previous 36 years. But it's not just where I work, it's who I am at this point, as well.

It took me 36 years to:

1. find my voice
2. feel comfortable in my skin
3. be comfortable with being wrong (occasionally)
4. learn to listen with intent
5. share my experiences with out embellishment (meaning, without feeling like I needed to make them sound wonderful or prophetic)
6. NOT need to be right

And that last one is hard for high-achieving, solution-oriented, self-deprecating, insecure-but-can't-show-it people.

Where I'm working now, we're in the midst of some serious organizational change management (OCM) happening. We're moving from a command-and-control, top-down management structure to an Agile methodology supported with servant-leadership and all that entails with the decision making structure. We're moving buildings. We're reorganizing internally.

All are positives, but they are disruptive and uncomfortable too.

In my area, we have thought-leaders who range in age from their late 20s/early 30s to me and my other co-worker, who are in our 60s. Also within that group, is a diverse knowledge base and set of learning experiences. We have certified practitioners, degree-holders in various disciplines, and life-long learners.

Some are the process folks, who can see a path forward with exact processes and disciplines to guide. Some are solution-oriented, what's the problem...here are 3 ways we could solve it, but #2 is the best. Some are problem identifiers and prognosticators, they see where we're headed, and where we'll fail. But we compliment each other.

I'm of the opinion, it takes all of those people to actually find a path forward.

What can get in the way?

Insecurity.

A need to be right. Or, not so much right, but the feeling of diminishment (internally) if the consensus isn't around the solution you suggested. Or, feeling so sure about your solution that you fight tooth and nail for that position, without compromise.

But there's a reason that all these unique, thoughtful people find themselves together in this moment, to help this organization.

Oh, you want me to tell you that reason?! I can't. We haven't figured that out fully...yet.

We will.

Know how I know?

We have great empathy.

We have others who are ALWAYS learning, they crave it, and they SHARE it. And the desire to learn at all levels within the team.

We have those that have been in the place of the ones who "need to be right," and they're going to provide that path forward to compromise/find consensus and not turn it into a mental loss.

We have agreed to be honest, open, and a safe place to speak.

We give others grace... to have their moments, to share their frustration, to find common ground, and to feel heard.

Yes, we have our moments...but they're just that, moments.

Speaking authentically, sometimes employing some "radical candor" (I still need that made into a t-shirt), and listening always leads us to that collaboration, consensus and compromise.