Volume XXII, Number 30 (Issue 1086) July 22, 2024
Tree Meet Forest
In the days since the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, we have heard individuals from both sides of the political aisle speak to the need for unity. One can only hope and pray our better angels will rise to the occasion. But I have my doubts. Still, during the recently completed RNC, we witnessed greater unity – at least within that party – than what anyone expected two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the two major political parties competing visions for a better path forward, the years of rancor and vitriol that have gone before, and the steady stream of misinformation spread by a legion of bad actors have combined to make lasting unity on any scale a bridge too far. Oh, that this nation could come together for more than an instant and for reasons not wed to a crisis. Politics, however, being what they are, make national unity more a fantasy than a stretch.
Differing values inevitably give rise to conflict. That is equally true for communication failures along with the far too common presumption of negative intent. I have covered all three of these topics in this space before so I will not spend your time rehashing those barriers to success today.
So, what about today’s title? As you likely noted, it is a passing reference to the familiar expression, “cannot see the forest for the trees.” I have co-opted that idiom today because I wish to tie it to the concept of unity – specifically the need for unity within a couple, group, team, or organization. That is not to suggest differences of opinion and varying points of view are problematic. Far from it since differing thoughts make for more robust solutions. What I am urging is that where two or more are involved, they need a common vision (goal) as well as path if they are to achieve the potential that better future promises.
Simply having a vision, as inspiring as that might be, is seldom enough. To achieve something more, every member of the team (every tree) needs to be committed to the goal. They also must trust one another, know their individual roles, work cohesively to leverage their individual strengths, and put the interests of the group ahead of their own. Easier said than done of course. But what worthwhile objective isn’t worthy of some added effort?
Now to the role of communication in creating unity. Visions need to be articulated. They need to be shared – repeatedly. They need to be reinforced. Action plans need to be developed. Progress needs to be monitored. Adjustments need to be made along the way as circumstances change. Progress needs to be acknowledged and
celebrated. Finally, as success is realized, a new vision needs to be cast. Step and repeat. Through it all, each tree be it a pine, oak, birch, beech, or redbud, becomes an integral and contributing part of the ecosystem (aka the forest).
Soli Deo Gloria
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by his blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” Ephesians 2:13-14
J. Keith Hughey
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E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
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