I am about to travel down a road I've traveled before. Let's just say that the first time I traveled this path, I made a lot of mistakes. It was a new road. I did my best, but in so many ways, I didn't know what I was doing. I'm wiser now, but certainly not all-knowing. What will I do differently?
Patience and Collaboration
I'm one of those people that wants to solve problems quickly. I want to jump right in and try out some solutions. I'm headstrong and too often unbending. As some might say, I'm a "jump into the pool before you learn to swim" kind of individual. That often works if the situation involves only me, but when others are involved that can be a disaster. While I do enjoy a bit of the confusion and challenge of "not knowing how to swim," for others that's a complete catastrophe that results in fear, anger, frustration, and worry. It's not a positive collaborative move.
Instead, a better collaborative move, is to hear all sides with respect. Listen carefully, ask a few questions, and tread gently into the new territory with a collaborative approach. This time down the road, I'll do that. I'll be more patient and more collaborative.
Confidence
In too many ways I have self doubt. One reason that's true is that I'm great at visualizing all the possible paths situations lead to. I love to entertain the many tendrils inherent in any situation and I do enjoy the details as well as the big picture. That perspective naturally leads to a lot of doubt about any one path and lots of mind-changing too. This inconsistency and doubting does not promote a confident platform and both worries people and leads to a lack of support.
Instead it's best to decide on what you know to be true and where you unwavering commitment lies. For example, in the road I'm about to travel, I will not budge when it comes to safety. I'm a confident, staunch supporter of making safe choices. I'm also a staunch supporter of a few priorities I've made related to relationships with the people I care for--I don't want to sacrifice that commitment or care. I can be confident about that, but as for all the possible paths this road can take, I'm more open to that variability--I can see myself supporting a number of positive paths so I'll listen carefully and make a decision with the team.
Love
When in doubt, take the loving route. If we do what is most loving with and for others, it's rare to lose and it's likely there will be big gains in good living for all involved. When in doubt, love.
Don't let perfect get in the way of good
The old adage, "Don't let perfect get in the way of good," is a positive adage to keep in mind as you wander any path in life. The path will be imperfect. Expect that, and work for the good as much as you can while accepting the imperfections that arise.
The first time we travel any road we'll make a lot of mistakes. If we can learn from those errors, our next time down the road will be a lot better. Onward.