LET'S TALK ABOUT . . .
"MERGER WISHES"
One of the main news stories over the last day or two is the proposed merger between Tim Horton's and Burger King restaurants. Tim's merged with Wendy's a number of years ago but failed to expand into the U.S. marketplace as hoped. Perhaps this second attempt will be more successful!
When I heard the announcement I wondered about the terminology involved. We are familiar with the term "merger" in the market place. We are familiar with the concept of "partnership" as one of many potential business structures. When I think of partnership I think of some kind of an alliance or association that is mutually beneficial to the parties involved. When I think of merger I think more along the lines of two or more entities coming together to form some kind of new entity. At times merger can even result in one entity being absorbed into the other.
Business is not the only place we witness such attempts. Relationally there are "merger wishes" at work as well. Often we "couple" with the distinct hope that in doing so something we hope for will be actualized either individually or as a product of the partnership. Sometimes both parties are aware of the desired effects of such a union. At other times the personal agendas of such mergers may only be more or less known to one or both parties. Sometimes you know going into such an arrangement; while at other times you realize them in the process or only in the aftermath of such an attempt.
We have all read or heard of stories where elaborate schemes to manipulate, extort, steal from others have been attempted through what, on the surface, appear to be legitimate mergers. We have also read or heard stories regarding joint ventures that benefit many through the respectful associations and alliances with others who possess different resources or skill sets.
Are we ever totally aware of all the forces at work when two entities agree to work together for some reason? While some desires and agendas are consciously and intentionally shared by one or more of participants, others are more subconsciously at work. Even where there are elaborate contractually binding agreements we are not immune to hidden or subconscious agendas or intentionality.
The key to moving forward well depends on several factors being authentically at work. It requires moving forward with conscious and intentional transparency, not "hoped-for transparency," that is really a cover for hidden agendas. It requires trust based on deep integrity. It requires mutually-agreed upon outcomes where it is possible to anticipate and work toward the same. It requires entering into such a working alliance for the purpose of what you can give rather than what you can get from the joint venture.
Such working alliances require some degree of health in each of the participants and in their ability to communicate well, connect well and resolve conflict to the satisfaction of all in order to maximize the desired outcome. That does not mean it is always easy; it takes sincere work to do it well. It requires a developing sense of self-awareness as well as an awareness of others and relational dynamics. I prefer a paradigm of synergistic infrastructures when and where possible within superstructures. That does, however, require a certain tolerance of difference and the creative ability to carve out unique solutions.
Sound complicated at multiple levels? It is! The world stage is proof of its necessity, its successes and its failures for multiple reasons. That does not mean we should cease to work at it. If anything, we need to work harder at it for the benefit of others and our world. The concepts of collegiality and teamwork have been popular for years. Everybody does not have to be on the same team; everybody does not have to attempt to solve a world problem. We need to work at making a difference within our spheres of influence.
There is a growing awareness that the issues we face in our world appear to be increasingly complex, convoluted, perhaps even impossible to resolve. Why? We cannot even agree on what a resolution might look like. Many are giving up, hunkering down, pulling in and just taking care of their own. They feel it is beyond them to even know how or what they might contribute to any kind of a resolve.
More and more people are just trying to survive.
How about you? Where are you at in terms of using your influence for good, to contribute to the welfare of others and our world? My favorite news stories are when children and young people hear about a need and simply, fearlessly, decide to do something about it (like backpacks of toiletries for the homeless). They are using who they are within their spheres of influence. They are trying to make a difference by just being who they are!
Until next time . . . this is, Just Janice!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
LET'S TALK ABOUT . . .
"DEFINITIONS OF INTEGRITY"
Have you ever thought about the fact that definitions are often two-sided? We define things both by what they are and by what they are not. We often begin with what something is not as a means of trying to figure out what it is. We know what we do not want but are unsure of exactly what we do want. We do this on multiple levels across our lives. It is a normal process.
Adolescents often do this in terms of trying to figure out their own identities. They know who they are not; "I am not you Dad and I am not you Mom!" It is a part of their differentiation to declare that they are different than either of their parents. Then they move toward their peers, their studies or some activities to try to figure out who they are; they are individuating. "I am not you . . . I am different than you . . . I am trying to figure out who I am." This often occurs quietly, almost without notice. At other times it can be quite a tumultuous process for both parents and adolescents.
In adult life it continues to be a challenge. It often feels disruptive to one member of a couple when the other is still defining themselves. It can feel threatening if one member tends to be more static in their being and the other is more dynamic. Can the relationship bear the tensions as each grows across the life cycle and the seasons of life? Growth implies change. Can our relationships bear those transitions and the tensions those processes generate?
We seem to live in a world that is very much in flux. That seems to be generating a lot of anxiety for a lot of people. By the time we embrace one change it is already outdated and the next shift is in process. We especially see this in the field of technology and social media. Some fields seem to move forward at lightning speed while others lag far behind. For example, an advance in medical technology often occurs well in advance of all the ethical dilemmas the application of such an advance poses. Adjunct fields struggle to keep pace.
Figuring out who we are in the midst of a world in constant flux is a challenge. For example, what do we think about . . . what do we feel about . . . what would we like to choose in regard to whatever the present topic or situation is? Most of the time I believe it is us trying to figure out who we are in a cultural milieu that is constantly evolving or shifting. We are both static and dynamic beings; not to be confused with static and dynamic forces that come to bear on our lives at any given moment from external sources. Some times we feel bombarded from both within and externally and that can feel destabilizing.
As Fall approaches we will find ourselves in the midst of potentially numerous defining entities, forces and opportunities. I hope we will not be rattled by these as much as see them as opportunities to grow and change where indicated while hanging on to what we deem valuable as constants in ourselves and our lives. We will always live in a world in flux. It will always be a challenge. If we can figure out the constants and hold on to them tenaciously while embracing the tension of those shifting realities, we might have an easier journey.
Until next time . . . this is, Just Janice!
"DEFINITIONS OF INTEGRITY"
Have you ever thought about the fact that definitions are often two-sided? We define things both by what they are and by what they are not. We often begin with what something is not as a means of trying to figure out what it is. We know what we do not want but are unsure of exactly what we do want. We do this on multiple levels across our lives. It is a normal process.
Adolescents often do this in terms of trying to figure out their own identities. They know who they are not; "I am not you Dad and I am not you Mom!" It is a part of their differentiation to declare that they are different than either of their parents. Then they move toward their peers, their studies or some activities to try to figure out who they are; they are individuating. "I am not you . . . I am different than you . . . I am trying to figure out who I am." This often occurs quietly, almost without notice. At other times it can be quite a tumultuous process for both parents and adolescents.
In adult life it continues to be a challenge. It often feels disruptive to one member of a couple when the other is still defining themselves. It can feel threatening if one member tends to be more static in their being and the other is more dynamic. Can the relationship bear the tensions as each grows across the life cycle and the seasons of life? Growth implies change. Can our relationships bear those transitions and the tensions those processes generate?
We seem to live in a world that is very much in flux. That seems to be generating a lot of anxiety for a lot of people. By the time we embrace one change it is already outdated and the next shift is in process. We especially see this in the field of technology and social media. Some fields seem to move forward at lightning speed while others lag far behind. For example, an advance in medical technology often occurs well in advance of all the ethical dilemmas the application of such an advance poses. Adjunct fields struggle to keep pace.
Figuring out who we are in the midst of a world in constant flux is a challenge. For example, what do we think about . . . what do we feel about . . . what would we like to choose in regard to whatever the present topic or situation is? Most of the time I believe it is us trying to figure out who we are in a cultural milieu that is constantly evolving or shifting. We are both static and dynamic beings; not to be confused with static and dynamic forces that come to bear on our lives at any given moment from external sources. Some times we feel bombarded from both within and externally and that can feel destabilizing.
As Fall approaches we will find ourselves in the midst of potentially numerous defining entities, forces and opportunities. I hope we will not be rattled by these as much as see them as opportunities to grow and change where indicated while hanging on to what we deem valuable as constants in ourselves and our lives. We will always live in a world in flux. It will always be a challenge. If we can figure out the constants and hold on to them tenaciously while embracing the tension of those shifting realities, we might have an easier journey.
Until next time . . . this is, Just Janice!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
LET'S TALK ABOUT . . .
"WHAT IN THE WORLD ?"
More people are questioning what is happening to what once were their stable and reliable constants. All of the shifts occurring around them are being experienced as disconcerting, disturbing, even destabilizing at times. We do not live in a static world. We live in the midst of ever-increasing dynamics that are becoming more complex and convoluted with the passage of time.
Weather dynamics seem to be more intense: climate change, shifting seasonal patterns, flooding, drought, raging forest fires, tsunamis, dust storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Crises in environmental dynamics are impacting our lives: the presence of blue algae in bodies of water that are potentially toxic, the demise of the bee population, fish dying and washing ashore, the problem with muscles affecting our lakes, birds falling out of the sky dead without explanation.
Socially people are more withdrawn, less engaging in person with the rise of social media and new electronic devices. The dependence on these devices is increasing exponentially, even to the point of affecting the laws regarding the use of them. They have become problematic in our homes, schools, even our vehicles. Our bonding, attachment and connection needs are met through dependency on our devices.
Political dynamics are more uncertain at all levels: yesterday's allies are today's enemies; the fragmentation of powerful entities around the world into splinter groups vying for control of the earth's resources; political parties warring among themselves, even splitting to espouse their platforms. There is a profound loss of faith in the political systems that have held societies together for centuries. People no longer believe their voices will really be heard or make a difference. I cannot remember a time when so many have taken to the streets in protest globally.
Financially there appears to be a widening gap between the upper and lower classes around the world. People are less sure of financial institutions, the markets and those who manage them. Many governments are reacting to the shifting trade and business dynamics globally: the effect of global outsourcing, historic tax sources following that outsourcing, new treaty relations to perpetuate import and export markets where old ones have shifted. Debt levels are climbing exponentially.
Ideologically many are lost, confused and leery of philosophical and spiritual beliefs they once embraced for strength, hope and stability. Where do we look for some kind of stability? Where do we find strength? Where do we find whatever hope we embrace? So many of the trusted sources have lost their appeal or are wearing "thin" in the midst of all that is happening in our world. One after another they are being exposed as limited or even impotent.
So in light of all that is happening in our world, where is the potential for good? I believe all of this is leading many to seek that which is simpler, authentic, trust-worthy. I believe more people are beginning to look for and be grateful for what they do have. Perhaps we need to get back to basics, to examine the foundations on which we are building our lives. "What in the world" do you think?
Until next time . . . this is, Just Janice!
"WHAT IN THE WORLD ?"
More people are questioning what is happening to what once were their stable and reliable constants. All of the shifts occurring around them are being experienced as disconcerting, disturbing, even destabilizing at times. We do not live in a static world. We live in the midst of ever-increasing dynamics that are becoming more complex and convoluted with the passage of time.
Weather dynamics seem to be more intense: climate change, shifting seasonal patterns, flooding, drought, raging forest fires, tsunamis, dust storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Crises in environmental dynamics are impacting our lives: the presence of blue algae in bodies of water that are potentially toxic, the demise of the bee population, fish dying and washing ashore, the problem with muscles affecting our lakes, birds falling out of the sky dead without explanation.
Socially people are more withdrawn, less engaging in person with the rise of social media and new electronic devices. The dependence on these devices is increasing exponentially, even to the point of affecting the laws regarding the use of them. They have become problematic in our homes, schools, even our vehicles. Our bonding, attachment and connection needs are met through dependency on our devices.
Political dynamics are more uncertain at all levels: yesterday's allies are today's enemies; the fragmentation of powerful entities around the world into splinter groups vying for control of the earth's resources; political parties warring among themselves, even splitting to espouse their platforms. There is a profound loss of faith in the political systems that have held societies together for centuries. People no longer believe their voices will really be heard or make a difference. I cannot remember a time when so many have taken to the streets in protest globally.
Financially there appears to be a widening gap between the upper and lower classes around the world. People are less sure of financial institutions, the markets and those who manage them. Many governments are reacting to the shifting trade and business dynamics globally: the effect of global outsourcing, historic tax sources following that outsourcing, new treaty relations to perpetuate import and export markets where old ones have shifted. Debt levels are climbing exponentially.
Ideologically many are lost, confused and leery of philosophical and spiritual beliefs they once embraced for strength, hope and stability. Where do we look for some kind of stability? Where do we find strength? Where do we find whatever hope we embrace? So many of the trusted sources have lost their appeal or are wearing "thin" in the midst of all that is happening in our world. One after another they are being exposed as limited or even impotent.
So in light of all that is happening in our world, where is the potential for good? I believe all of this is leading many to seek that which is simpler, authentic, trust-worthy. I believe more people are beginning to look for and be grateful for what they do have. Perhaps we need to get back to basics, to examine the foundations on which we are building our lives. "What in the world" do you think?
Until next time . . . this is, Just Janice!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)