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66 Teach me!
Last week’s invitation to
disagree served many purposes. You immediately realized that you
are safe here and do not have to agree with the owner. That
reassurance lets you value the knowledge you bring. Your sense of
value stimulates your growth toward your own goal, and you
benefit.
There is another
dimension to the story: your effect on me. When you know
something I do not know, it is my turn to learn from you. There
is an adage that the teacher learns more than the pupil. Usually
this refers to the research required to have something to teach.
I have an even greater growth opportunity: if you are not
identical to me, I can learn something directly from you. As you
participate, you are teaching me! We are teaching each other as
we expand our thinking together.
Being contrary only
breaks down the system, but handling difference with civility is
very productive. It is important to share different approaches.
Last week’s article and school supplement break down the issue
into many identifiable components. The only harmful one is
high-energy opposition, that is, mean-spirited contrary
will.
Spoken in the right tone,
“That is a bad idea” is not an attack. It is an evaluation that
opens investigation. It is an offer of a better alternative. To
be respected, I must respect you.
This blog will improve if you
participate! Here are communication methods available in the blog
and school.
Being For Others Blog copyright © 2020 Kent Busse
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