From “fake news” to AI generated content and social media algorithms the common comment is “I don’t know who to believe.”
This furthers the edge of distrust.
Therefore, conversations often take the nature and tone of a debate. Not with the spirit of an academic debate like those practiced in a college environment, but debates where the stakes are much higher and so is the heat.
In this sense a debate declares there is a winner and a loser, it requires that someone is right and someone is wrong. An honest conversation, in contrast, seeks to learn, understand, and come to a common and beneficial outcome.
With that definition given, in appropriate circumstances I’ll ask if the person or group is interested in a conversation or a debate. If it’s a conversation, I’m in. That doesn’t mean the conversation can’t have heat, many of the good ones do. But the tone and outcome is very different.
5. Courage To Embrace the Last 10%
Over twenty years ago I learned the principle of “The Last 10%” from our founding pastor, Kevin Myers. It took my leadership to another level.
The last 10% refers to getting everything said that needs to be said, before you leave the table. Kevin would often ask, “Are all hearts clear?” We knew what that meant.
Does the last 10% require maturity and wisdom? Yes.
But candidly, it’s better to take some risks and make some mistakes in an honest conversation, rather than to live with fear and insecurity and not say what needs to be said. That’s how we learn, grow and make life for ourselves and others better.
So how do we know what is appropriate for the last 10%?
Whatever embraces the good of the relationship, the good of the organization, and is pleasing to God, that is fair game!
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
