I have always been fascinated and vaguely astonished by the fact that, at times, communication is successful. We do not put enough emphasis and preparation into it, and we have so many different ways to look at the world and interpret it, that it is quite a thing that two persons can come together at … Continue reading Say it isn’t so
Tag: politics
Here to stay
When somebody attacks you on some of the features that define you (your work, your values, your reputation), all you can do is continue nurturing those very same features. Going head-to-head can be fascinating in a sense. Demolishing the attacker's argument, pointing out all the good that you have done, bringing people onboard to testify … Continue reading Here to stay
In the middle
As it often happens with complex issues, even the discourse around the current pandemic has been shrinked to a binary matter: economy vs (public) health. And of course, as with any complex issue, there is much more to take into consideration. There is the problem of parents who are taking care of their kids full-time … Continue reading In the middle
The art of saying something
There are a few things an organization should consider if they decide to release a statement, publish a social media post, say something about the events of these days. First, make sure the words shared are considered and consistent. Nobody needs more rage, nobody wants your organization to use this to clean their slate or … Continue reading The art of saying something
Defuse
Caught in the heat of an argument, the challenge is to find the lucidity to defuse. Do that while you are in a position of power, and you will have made real progress. Going head against head, second guessing, paying back, raising your voice, smashing and controlling. Those are short-lived strategies that will just feed … Continue reading Defuse
Candidate position
What is currently happening in American politics is a matter of positioning. Trump (the incumbent) is going after Obama in an attempt to reposition the previous administration as corrupt and indecent, in order to extend such a label to the democratic candidate that is going to challenge him in November. Biden (the challenger) is indeed … Continue reading Candidate position
Contradictions and implications
Not succeeding does not necessarily mean failing. Not being right does not necessarily mean being wrong. Not being good does not necessarily mean being bad. Not agreeing with something does not necessarily mean opposing it. We use categories to make sense of the world, yet categories are not dichotomies. If anything, their meaning is much … Continue reading Contradictions and implications
Lessons
You can find great lessons everywhere, even in books you are just reading for pleasure and enjoyment. “There is satisfaction,” he said to Dalinar, “in creating a list of things you can actually accomplish, then removing them one at a time. As I said, a simple joy.”“Unfortunately, I’m needed for bigger things than shopping.”“Isn’t that … Continue reading Lessons
Authority and people
Why do people keep going out and gather in groups when they are told to stay in and avoid in person contacts? Because it is very difficult for each one of us to picture what could be, what could happen, the damage (or good) we might be bringing about. Until that is finally here and … Continue reading Authority and people
Two speeds
Our world has been moving at two speeds for a long time now. The virus that is spreading in so many countries today is an example of what has already been happening for decades. Somewhere, something ignites, and by the time the fire is everywhere, old and local institutions are still arguing to figure out … Continue reading Two speeds
