Bring something to the table

Posted: Monday, October 11, 2010 by Travis Cody in
10

Does this look familiar to anyone?

  • Statement of what is wrong
  • Specific examples of what is wrong
  • Impact of what is wrong
  • Cost impact of what is wrong
  • Proposals to remedy what is wrong
  • Cost vs benefit to remedy what is wrong
Do you know what that is?  It's a basic problem statement.  This is how serious people address issues and find solutions.

Anybody can complain about what's bugging them.  Anybody can shout and demonstrate and bring all kinds of attention to an issue.  I've done my share of complaining about stuff.

It takes a bit more than noise and finger-pointing to specifically and productively address a problem.  Fixing something that is broken takes thought.  It takes understanding of root causes.  It takes a clear and truthful discussion of circumstance and reality.  It takes research to understand the situation.

Sometimes it even takes reaching out to others, talking things out, and rationally agreeing to the best possible compromise.  And sometimes that best possible compromise takes time to settle and implement.

Otherwise, all the noise is just useless bluster and whining.

I don't think we improve situations through bluster and whining.  At best, I think we confuse ourselves and our neighbors when we don't slow down and think.  At worst, we become short-sighted bullies.

So if you think something is wrong, do more than complain about it.  Bring something to the table.  If you're not in a position to directly contribute solutions, then write to a person or group who is.  If all you have is your vote, then use it.


Be more than just a whiner about stuff.  Be a positive force to make things better.


We're counting down to Blog Blast for Peace on 4 November 2010 with 30 days of peace quotes.

"Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans for solutions."  Edward R Murrow

Check the top of my side bar to your left and click on any of the Peace Globe links for all the information you need to participate in this year's Blog Blast for Peace.  Or go directly to Mimi Writes and click any of the links just beneath the blog header.

If you need help with your Globe, let me know in comments.

You know you want to join us.  Come on.  Do it.

I believe that words have power, so this matters.

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous says:
    11 October, 2010 03:21

    well said, Travis. Happy week to you!

  1. Anonymous says:
    11 October, 2010 04:55

    Have a wonderful week, Travis. Here's to five weekdays of opportunity! For you, it's a new week of DWTS...

    :-D)

  1. Akelamalu says:
    11 October, 2010 04:56

    Hear, Hear!

  1. Charles Gramlich says:
    11 October, 2010 07:26

    Well said. I often use writing it out as a way of understanding exactly what the problem is and how to go about fixing it.

  1. katherine. says:
    11 October, 2010 08:25

    you're a wise man Travis

    (I was gonna say a wise guy...but the new york types would misinterpret)

  1. Anonymous says:
    11 October, 2010 08:38

    I concur!

  1. Anonymous says:
    11 October, 2010 08:39

    I concur!

  1. Finding Pam says:
    11 October, 2010 09:55

    Travis, you are spot on about whining and complaining as it does nothing to pursue Peace.

    I have learned that in reality we are more alike than not alike. We need to celebrate our differences and have more tolerance, not judgements. If only people could understand this concept.

    I look forward to more of your insightful post.

    You are a wise man indeed. Thanks for sharing with us today.

  1. Travis Cody says:
    11 October, 2010 17:36

    AMTG: And to you also!

    Lois: And we only have to work 4 days this week, with a 4 day weekend on the end of it!

    Akelamalu: Indeed!

    Charles: One of the best ways I ever learned was to do the research and write.

    Katherine: Wise guy sounds about right. LOL!

    GGG: I think we might have a quorum!

    Pam: I think it comes down to respect. We've got to give some respect to each other when all that stands between us is a difference of opinion.

  1. Julia Phillips Smith says:
    13 October, 2010 06:49

    Travis, you would be the hero for my co-worker, who believes as you do. She hasn't pulled all the hair out of her head yet, but her frustration with whiners as opposed to someone who tries to address the problem can be somewhat entertaining.

    She and I served on a year-long committee at work where we did in fact address real issues instead of complaining about them. It actually does work.

    I'm really looking forward to Blog Blast! This is putting action to our hopes and dreams in an awe-inspiring way.

Post a Comment