Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

An old adage that still applies today as long as we apply it wisely.

Some wise and famous person stated the title of this post long ago, I think. Still, it bears repeating in one variation or another.

I am here to tell you something. What I have to say is important. Pay attention.

Oh wait, you are here as well? You might have something to say that you feel is important? Huh?

I have to pause myself. I am not the all-important person that I sometimes believe myself to be. Others may believe themselves to be fairly important as well. Pause. Listen. Understand. There are many techniques to help me understand. Use those techniques.

Now that I have some understanding of the other person, I can tell you something. Oh, wait. Maybe after understanding you, I decide to just keep my mouth shut and not tell you that thing that seemed so important before I understood you.

We can do better. Let’s try.