Where Do You Stand?

It is helpful to know where people stand on various issues, policies and programs before suggesting any new ideas.  It is also helpful to know what someone else thinks or feels about you or your ideas before trying to put your plans into action.  This and more really comes into play, especially when you are looking for support on a unique project, creating a new organization or writing an awarding winning proposal.  There is an old adage that says “if you want to get things done, it’s who you know.” Yet an updated modern version of this adage says “it’s not who you know, but who knows you.” 
It takes a lot to get things done in our current social climate and it is critical to show that you have what it takes; the energy, the connections and the focus to get things done on time and on budget.  This is a time to really see things through, dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” along the way.  It is also a time when nearly all initiatives of any size require collaborative partnerships, obtainable goals and measurable outcomes.  In addition, a lot of people are already intimated by the fresh ideas and the talents that you may bring to the table.  In this brave new world order, business as usual is not going to be acceptable or work in the new normal.  

Over the past decade or so, we have seen a changing of the guard, so of speak, in terms of leadership, focus, communications and global connections.  This is a new wave of young entrepreneurs, startups, brands, new product lines, game changing technologies and new marketing tools.  This is exciting news, but these modern advances can only take us so far.  Don’t get me wrong, any good news is better than some of the ongoing bad news that is occurring these days.   But the real test is weather this new direction is sustainable, without double standards and self-interests.  

Knowing what you stand for helps to define one’s personal mission and vision.  Although it is a start, it does not tell the whole story or picture of what you or your organization is about.  We have to always work on defining or redefining our values, ethics, expectations, limits and setting boundaries. This is an ongoing process that leads to continual improvement and not to perfection.  All of us can always do more by getting better in what we are good at.  So, what are your priorities and views about fair housing, affordable health care, poverty, minimum wage, crime, and incarceration and education reform?  What do you think?