…..“We may have all come on different ships. But we are in the same boat now”

As I read the memo from Apple’s leader this weekend, I was encouraged that our leaders across the country are now speaking out and getting involved in the political issues which affect our American people versus only being involved in issues affecting the bottom line.

America was founded as the “melting pot”.  This has helped lead us to greatness.  I am not taking a side here, I just believe we need to “seek to understand” and make policy decisions which protect our country as well as respect the people who live here.  We need open debate and discussion – then we craft policies which affect us all.  If we take the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King which I began the text to this blog to another level, then let’s apply this to the current political environment in the United States.  To paraphrase, “we may have all voted with or represent different political parties, but we are all in the same country now”.  We need to remember our great nation was built on being “united”.  Lately, we seem to have lost that important piece of information in much of our discourse.  This applies at home, at work, and out with your friends.  I wanted to share Tim Cook’s note below for those who have not seen it:
_____

Team,
In my conversations with officials here in Washington this week, I’ve made it clear that Apple believes deeply in the importance of immigration — both to our company and to our nation’s future. Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do.
I’ve heard from many of you who are deeply concerned about the executive order issued yesterday restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. I share your concerns. It is not a policy we support.

There are employees at Apple who are directly affected by yesterday’s immigration order. Our HR, Legal and Security teams are in contact with them, and Apple will do everything we can to support them. We’re providing resources on AppleWeb for anyone with questions or concerns about immigration policies. And we have reached out to the White House to explain the negative effect on our coworkers and our company.

As I’ve said many times, diversity makes our team stronger. And if there’s one thing I know about the people at Apple, it’s the depth of our empathy and support for one another. It’s as important now as it’s ever been, and it will not weaken one bit. I know I can count on all of you to make sure everyone at Apple feels welcome, respected and valued.

Apple is open. Open to everyone, no matter where they come from, which language they speak, who they love or how they worship. Our employees represent the finest talent in the world, and our team hails from every corner of the globe.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.”
Tim
_____

Together. We. Win.

Dave Harmon
People Division
“Kindness is Currency”

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidharmonhr

Follow Dave and other USA TODAY NETWORK highlights at: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram,  Facebook, The Muse and Gannett Careers

It is a crazy time in a crazy world….or so we think...

What is really important...?

We watch the gun violence on the news, we listen to political pundits justify their “side”, we see road rage every day, we hear parents at sporting events rudely berating our kids, we see more viewers for reality TV than we do for important events.  This is the new normal.  But does it have to be?

These things invade our lives, but how do we define our lives?  Yes, it is important to understand and support our causes, to speak out against wrongs, and to ensure we look our for those less fortunate – but for our sanity, we need to redefine our “lives”.  Take it back.

This hit me as I was evaluating how quickly my three boys have grown into young men, how my wonderful relationship with my wife is in our second 25 years, and how my siblings are aging quickly (so I must be as well).  The clock is ticking for us – it never stops.  My best friend has Stage 4 cancer, my dog has cancer – life is precious. 

We need to take back our sanity.  How?  Well, let’s start at home.  The important issues are truly your spouse, your kids, your parents, your family.   Can you give them each one positive comment each and every day?   Date nights with each kid, your spouse, your parent?  Then, let’s look at our workplace.  What relationships can you focus on?  Is there someone whom you know is struggling that you can help lighten their load?    Are there peers who are struggling with current issues – have you reached out to them for a coffee?  Left them a note?  Dropped a card?  Now, let’s expand that circle to your friends, your peers, and your friends of faith…

Just imagine if we worked hard and focused on improving these relationships?   We focused on being a better spouse, a better parent, a better son/daughter, a better employee, a better coworker – a better person?   How do we get this started?  I am going to start with me – I think it becomes contagious.

Imagine for a moment if everyone we know had this same focus.  I think our world gets better quickly.  My point being that it all starts with us.  We often take on BIG causes, but change starts with us as an individual.  The Dalai Lama tweeted out in early January of this year, “Change starts with us as individuals. If one individual becomes more compassionate it will influence others and so we will change the world.”

I agree.  Change for me starts today…and then tomorrow…and then…


Dave Harmon
People Division
“Kindness is Currency”

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidharmonhr

Follow Dave and other USA TODAY NETWORK highlights at: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram,  Facebook, The Muse and Gannett Careers

"I don't know everything. Teach me something..."

Good morning, 

There has been a lot of political angst, hatred, vitriol, etc. lately causing disruption within our society.  At work, at home, in elevators, at restaurants - I hear it everywhere.  And then in print.....wow.  Disappointing to see how harsh people can be.  It is causing friction between friends, co-workers, and neighbors.  It makes the Yankees v. Red Sox arguments feel nice.  So here are my thoughts….

"Maybe we can release balloons rather than throw darts".  This was an idea I read about in an article recently by Nathan Pyle.  This article inspired me and as I looked at all the "you should take my side" political posts in my social media feeds - I realized most, if not all, are not moving us forward and the comment stream following the posts are just plain disappointing.   Republican, Muslim, Libertarian, Democrat, Christian, Feminist, Optimist, Minimalist, Alarmist or Atheist - this is our country.  We need to move forward.  Life is way too short for this nonsense.  Ask a friend with cancer what is important to them...

So let's spend our efforts asking more questions. Ask the questions we don't know the answers to, questions that will call on the knowledge of "the other side". This sets the tone of the discussion by admitting, "I don't know everything, teach me something."  This article resonated with me to write this post.

Asking questions versus taking sides focuses the conversation like an "invisible moderator" (a term I like). It gives the other person a chance to "teach me or even to send me some info so I can better understand their point of view".  It gives us license to admit “we don’t understand” on some of the more detailed points.  Our focus should shift to "why do they think this way" or "what is the real issue?"  They may, as Nathan emphasized, cite opposing facts (or "alternative facts"  - as I guess that is a new version - sorry, but that was funny) on the success of an issue.

The more questions we ask, the more we focus in on the “issues” upon which we disagree, the more we understand – the more we keep the darts aimed at the “issues” (and not on the person).  Do not lose friendships, cause marital strife, or working relationships over this.  We are going to have different conclusions – and we need to be comfortable with that difference.   We need to share our opinions and views but not force our opinions and views.   It's unlikely we will ever change many political views – but we may get to a place of having a more pointed discussion on the "issues.   We might even never agree and that is OK. But maybe you will be open to ISSUE views.  Life is not always and never. It is not "all or nothing".  It is a game of change and adjust. 

If we approach this as "learning rather than the teaching (aiming to instruct)", we can both embrace difference somewhere in the middle.  Learning and seeking to understand should be our goal. 

I know at least initially; this probably doesn't feel as good as “winning” the argument.   But we all can be better at seeking to understand. Less friction, better relationships with your friends, family, and co-workers with whom you disagree.  These are your friends, family, and co-workers.  This is our country everybody.   Be united in change for good regardless of your political views.   Focus on the issues.  #weareinthistogether

My nickel's worth.

Dave Harmon

People Division

“Kindness is Currency”

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidharmonhr

Follow Dave and other USA TODAY NETWORK highlights at: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram,  Facebook, The Muse and Gannett Careers