Perception can be messy

Applying common sense as predictable practice

I have the privilege of serving on a Board of Directors for a not-for-profit organisation. I only joined less than a year ago but have already attended four board meetings. I just got back following today’s session which was predictably long, intense, professional, and illuminating.

And that is the point. In so many other parts of the world, we don’t see steps in place obviating dangers of perceptions of the governing body’s actions becoming icky. Perception is not always the same as reality but once it becomes an issue, correcting misperceptions is often impossible.

Goodness knows that is a problem in so much of our society every single hour.

In too many organizations—government, private sector, political, religious, etc. etc. etc.—those making decisions don’t have predictable steps allowing them to explain how and why they reached the conclusions impacting others. Or they don’t think they need reflect on how they reacted to something that can lead to someone losing a job, benefits, or even a court case. As a society, we too often don’t show evidence someone can follow. That sounds obvious but is troubling in its lack of existence as a process.

Countless politicians learned this the hard way from Jackson to Riyadh to Delhi to Tokyo and back again.

Our board met today in an open, documented manner so we had transparency. You have read about me complaining Xi’s and the CCP’s China eradicates steps promoting or individuals seeking transparency but that basic step at the heart of everything is utterly vital for a credible process explainable to anyone and everyone asking. Please don’t misunderstand: credibility does not guarantee people like the outcome of discussions but it assures any board member (or anyone else in whatever setting) the ability to explain how the process went if questioned. Where money arises, explanations are always a useful mechanism.

I had a colleague well over twenty-five years ago at the National War College who tried reminding all of us that being aware of these simple actions could save everyone a lot of trouble. I think of John often as his distinctive South Carolina accent echoes in my brain saying ‘Roooooles are ooouuuuuurrrrrr friends’. Rules are our friends.

So true, especially in a country where rule of law provides us constraints and guardrails. We tease but these are the foundation of trust. It’s when we deviate from them, as too many people do of late, that we lose so much.

I am glad our organisation today decided to go with our friends. And we continue strengthening those steps to be a more effective board.

I also noted that Seattle is a far more laid back community than little old Annapolis. Two different singers were sharing their talents at the location for our meeting this afternoon. I sat outside as one entertained us with his folk repertoire. As I returned to our meeting, I heard a guy playing the electric piano.

What impressed me was that Seattle’s population was enjoying both guys, whether sitting in a 95 degree luncheon sun or upstairs in a more sterile air conditioned lobby. People took time to enjoy. Seattle was warm—ok, hot—but the sky blue and invitating to be out enjoying it as August recedes.

Isn’t that what life is about?

Thank you again for those who subscribe to Actions Create Consequences. You motivate me more than you know. FIN