A Simple Answer to Division | Fine | Getting Things Done
Hello there! Welcome to my weekly LEAPS.
You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly Wednesday feature or our mailing list. Every Wednesday, I share 5 things using our LEAPS approach:
Learn: something new or an idea
Energy: an energy (good or bad) word and it’s meaning
Action: something to do
Processing: a question to consider
Shout out: something or someone that I want to celebrate or acknowledge
LEARN
Something Worth Sharing
A Simple Answer to Division
I am tired, sad and frustrated with the increasing amount of division in the world. Rather than seeing opposing views come closer together, we all seem to be moving further away from each other. I’m hearing a lot more ‘I’m right, therefore you’re wrong’.
There’s a word that I feel is getting in the way of us coming closer together and showing compassion and empathy; the issue is a very small and yet problematic word. That word is ‘OR’. If I insist I am ‘right’ and that you are ‘wrong’ its black or white, right or wrong, win or lose, me or you. The simple answer to this is to understand that many things are not A or B, but that A AND B can - and often do - coexist.
The linking approach of ‘and’ shifts a mindset from limited choices to recognising possibilities, fostering collaboration, and embracing complexity. Instead of viewing situations as a trade-off or a contradiction, using "and" acknowledges that multiple, even opposing, realities can coexist and be integrated, leading to more creative solutions and positive communication.
"Or" presents a dilemma:
Creates a sense of limitation and forces choice.
"And" creates integration:
It suggests that both ideas, needs, or possibilities can exist simultaneously, allowing for broader perspectives and novel solutions.
Ultimately, embracing the power of "and" helps to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and create more inclusive and stable communities by recognising shared goals and interests over perceived divides and differences.
ENERGY
An emotion or energy; a stand-out word / s
Fine
‘Fine’ is a word that often makes me shudder - it’s certainly not one of my favourites. When I hear people reply to the question of ‘how are you?’ with ‘fine’, it doesn’t really tell you anything.
The word is from Old French FIN meaning "end, limit, boundary; death; fee, payment, finance, money".
The word’s longer history is traced back to the Latin word FINIS "that which divides, a boundary, limit, border, end". It actually suggests that something is complete and perfect - which possibly explains why it doesn’t sit well with me!
ACTION
Something small that you can do that might make a big difference
One Small Next Action
The action for this week is…action! But don’t worry, I want to be a little more specific; think of something you’ve been putting off and do one small next action that will help it to progress. Rather than think you need to complete a project, just focus on the one small next action that is needed - this might be to make a phone call, schedule a team meeting or put a date in the diary to brainstorm ideas.
PROCESSING
A question to think about and consider (you can discuss this with someone or write your thoughts down)
“What does support from me look like?”
Rather than considering the importance of support you need, I’d like you to consider the support you give to others. This is a great conversation prompt, to consider what and how you believe you support others. We are all different, and so is the way in which we can support people. Think of those closest to you as well as anyone you’re responsible for - and then think of other people such as your line manager, friends, sports teams etc.
I’d love for you to send me your own stories / thoughts about this. Drop me a line with your answer / thoughts on this question
SHOUT OUT
Who / what I think deserves recognition - my gratitude or to be celebrated.
Thank you
This is a really simple and yet vitally important ‘shout out’ - ‘thank you’. Whether you are receiving a ‘thank you’ or saying ‘thank you’, they can mean so much.
BONUS GIFT FOR YOU
The gift is only available to those that subscribe to the weekly LEAPS email
insert sign up form here
The artwork featured in this section is all copyrighted and for private use only. If you wish to use these online, in blogs / features or in presentations etc - we are happy to discuss licences. Please get in touch. The downloads do not have watermarks.
If you’d like to discuss having your ideas, business or culture captured visually - you can also let me know via email.
LEAPS is a process used by our team and clients all the time - and even my own family on a daily basis.
I’ll be sharing a set of LEAPS each week with you and encourage you to do your own version:
L: what have you learned?
E: what’s your energy / feeling word
A: what’s one thing you need to do?
P: what are you thinking / processing?
S: who or what can you shout out?
