Day #709 - Calibration

And response

I was slightly wary of sharing yesterdays post, which touched on the political landscape in America, and our role as Social Leaders. I tried to take a balanced view, to be constructive, and to write carefully, because I am acutely aware of the changing context around my words.

I think I did ok: the stats show me high engagement, and I had no negative feedback. But I am aware that the new political reality impacted my comfort in saying something fairly innocuous and entirely constructive.

We learn to be conscious of context early on, as part of our need, and hence desire, to be included, to belong.

Changes to equity and equality legislation quite clearly impact social outcomes. Whether you deem them to be for the better, or worse, is largely a political consideration. Because much of this speaks to the nature of society we wish to live in - as an active choice - not the one that we need to live in for our survival.

If we have a huge gender pay gap, we will probably still have functioning farms and hospitals, but we may not have the equitable society we consider civil.

For me, I find it useful to note when context causes me to hold back - or gives me implicit permission to push forwards. But also to recognise that my actions cast shadows on others. I have said many times that this space - this community - is open for everyone, and hence whilst we should engage in open debate, we should do so with great respect.

Use your sixty seconds today to consider how context impacts your own leadership.

When do you step forwards, when do you hold back, and how do you calibrate your response?