I've seen this quote in multiple places recently, and it came to mind again today as I've been attempting to maneuver some tricky relationships, both in my personal life and at work. My boss, I can assure you, is the epitome of diplomacy. I've learned so much from her about how to communicate with others, especially when there is conflict involved. (Let me tell you, I owe her a huge debt of gratitude when it comes to navigating conversations with my ex-husband.)When I put good old Ben Franklin's wisdom into practice with my boss's careful guidance, I realize we have to not just let go of identifying what needs to be changed in one another, but to also look beyond the change we perceive is needed in the first place. It's been my experience that fighting for what we want, or think is right, or believe is true only serves to deepen the differences we have with one another. I'm not naive enough to say that positive change that ultimately works in everyone's favor is inevitable when people communicate and cooperate, but it's certainly more likely. I wonder if, when faced with a conflict, it might it be more constructive to ask, "What am I willing to concede for the sake of progress?"
Easier said than done, I will be the first to attest, but definitely something to consider.
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