For some reason, my mind is 'chewing' on what differences are. I realize that differences come in many shapes, forms, ideas, etc. Some have come from our media and from pop culture such as The Differences Between Men and Women and Differences Between Cats and Dogs. Other well-known differences have been generated from either history or the human experience; e.g. Republicans vs Democrats, young vs old, culture vs culture, South vs North, religion vs religion, etc.
Interpersonal relationships hold prime examples of differences such as the way people react differently to similar situations, parents discipline differently.......even a sense of humor is different from person to person.
Give two people or teams the same project to manage or event to organize and I will guarantee that their journeys will be vastly different. Oh, the finished products may resemble each other but the methods, strategies and details may not hold very many, if any, similarities.
Are differences a good thing? Possibly and probably. Opposing viewpoints often generate new avenues and ways to look at a problem, dilemma, or challenge. Differences can give people pause to contemplate their own beliefs or values and differences can provide us with new insight and empathy. Differences also provide interest in what would be an otherwise dull and boring world. Imagine if we all agreed all of the time on every topic and issue.
Which brings my mind to its next question: What is the difference between agreement and consensus?
I think I need to turn off my brain and let the Holly Daze return. This cerebral clarity is giving me a headache!
Ancora imparo
