REAL COMMUNICATION DOESN'T REQUIRE A BATTERY

"Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding."

Louis Gerstner, retired CEO/chairman IBM

Allow me to broaden this a bit.

Computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc., in short, technology, is no replacement for humans and their interaction with each other.

Our texts, emails, phone calls, (this blog) do little to tell you and me who each of us are, what each of us wants the other to know about the other.

Use technology when you must but never when only face-to-face interaction will do what you need and want done.

And while I'm at it, don't text and drive.

THE ENEMY WITHIN

"We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction."

Aesop (620 BC-560 BC) Greek fabulist.

By revealing our weaknesses, one of which is having too many enemies.

Not everyone is against you.

When someone disagrees with you just accept it as an alternative view that may in your best interest.

WHY WE ARGUE

"Battle doesn't need a purpose; the battle is its own purpose."

Proverb

Not always but often enough.

The next time you begin to argue with someone ask yourself if the purpose and your desire to win are one and the same.

NO ARGUMENT HERE

"The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress."

Joseph Joubert

18th century French moralist

Progress that is mutually beneficial to both sides of the argument.

Too Much Talk, Is

"A dog that barks much is never a good hunter."

Proverb

Think, plan, discuss, talk, even bark if you will, but above all else, do.

Less REALLY Is More! No Kidding, REALLY!

"He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I've ever met."

Abraham Lincoln

16th president of the United States

As one who has occasionally been guilty of this, I've tried to make Business Wisdom just the opposite.

But it is hard isn't it?

You have so much to say that would be of benefit to those who will listen.

Now if you've got a few hours let me tell you why.

Communication: Argue or Discuss?

"The thing I hate about an argument is that it always interrupts a discussion."

C.K. Chesterton
Early 20th century writer

Both argument and discussion imply communication but in very different ways.

I think I know what Mr. Chesterton would say but what do you think; is there ever a time in business when it is better to argue than to discuss?