Sun, 22 Nov 2009

California Crisis?

I spotted this the other day on a walk. OK, so it isn't the real Teale Data Center (the major State of California data center in Sacramento), but it IS symbolic of the financial situation in the State of California and the inability of the politicians to do anything substantive about it.

Compromise and compassion are needed, but all we get is partisan wrangling and dissention from the politicians at the state capitol.

posted 16:30 [/FromMyFone] permanent link

Willing to be Changed . . .

You are only really listening when you are willing to be changed by what you hear.

I heard this statement in an interview with Alan Alda, the actor, and it has stuck with me. I think, all too often, people come into a conversation with their minds made up and nothing which is said will change that. In that case, they don't really listen to the other person, but are preparing what they are going to say, regardless of the thoughts of the other. It is pervasive, parents and children, teachers and students, politicians and their constituents, ambassador and rulers, . . ., and it's leading to a world where no one is willing to compromise. The change you are willing to make doesn't have to be large. You don't have to give up your principles. Any little change you make or are willing to make brings you closer to understanding what the other person is saying.

So, the next time you go into a conversation, really listen and prepare to be changed . . .

posted 10:25 [/SimpleThings] permanent link