In a message dated 4/28/03 4:31:23 AM, juliade...@aol.com writes: << I think it's a perception that "this sort of stuff doesn't belong in this context." But my limited experience has shown me that "this stuff" is exactly what sparks creativity, builds bridges and turns things around. >>
I remember, years ago, leading a workshop on communication skills and creative problem solving for an electric utility. At the end of an exercise on talking about feelings, the engineering manager said emphatically that he did not see any need for speaking of his feelings at work. The next day, the group was working to resolve a conflict about the use of company vehicles outside of working hours, and they were not making much progress. Then one of the linemen stood and said, "I go to work every day scared, because I know that if something goes wrong at the top of a pole, I could die. I don't have a problem with the managers driving their company cars home--if I am in trouble, I want to know the manager can call someone right away and get help." The engineering manager said, "If someone is in trouble, I want to immediately call an ambulance, an emergency crew, and call Bonneville Power and have them cut out the power to the county." The lineman said, "Would you really cut off power to the whole county?" The manager replied. "Absolutely. Until I know just what the problem is, and where, I want the power off. Someone's life is way more important than keeping the lights on." And at this point, it became very simple to find a solution to the supposed conflict. Joelle * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu, Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
