The Power of Being “Right” (part 2)
Last
month we started to define the dynamics most often associated with the power
of being “right”…
To a large extent, if you were “right” you could do anything you wanted. In effect, you can break the rules, defy your boss, run against the grain, swim upstream, stand alone, and…if you are right, will be exonerated and honored in the end for your perseverance and vision. Most of us would find ourselves easily agreeing with the sentiment that being right might be the ultimate standard to achieve (maybe even the underlying mechanism of the American Dream).
Unfortunately, the belief (and resultant behaviors) that “being right trumps everything else” is one of the most destructive forces in organizations, marriages, and many other relational situations.
The authority that goes with the office of President of the United States does not vary with the individual that may hold that office for a time, nor is it conditional on every decision or action being right or even moral. This is true with the position that your boss holds at work, as well. This is the concept of authority as it is described biblically: a top down delegation of authority that is connected to the position, and only to a person when they hold that position.
Biblical authority does not eliminate influence or healthy conflict. What is most important to understand is that the behavior (debate, etc.) that is encouraged during the discussion period, becomes openly destructive after the decision is made.
Continuing the debate, openly or at the water cooler, is defined biblically as rebellion (not a good thing).
Continuing a position of opposition to a decision has multiple destructive components. First of all, you are demonstrating yourself to be a liar and certainly violating your own integrity. Let me explain; when you placed yourself in a position under the authority of a higher office, you agreed to submit to the authority of that office. Since integrity is a pre-requisite for trust, not only are you violating the trust (relationship) of your superior, but also violating the trust of all your co-workers who you are engaging in the opposition.
Secondly, right or not, the divisive impact of pursuing alternative positions (post decision) is incredibly damaging to the organization, team, or family. I’ve learned that the most elegant solution (best or most right) to any situation is far less effective than the solution that has the highest level of commitment to making it work! Commitment to a solution is more critical than the solution itself.
Opposition and/or resistance, especially at the lowest levels (water cooler conversation), in many instances PREVENTS commitment… sabotaging the organizations intent to achieve the objective.
Click here to read part 1 of Mike Hoppe's The Power Of Being Right
Mike Hoppe is one of the Associate Pastors at Casas Church, is a graduate business school instructor, and still actively works with companies to develop their organizations after 15 years in management with a Fortune 100 company. Mike can be reached at mikeh@casaschurch.org or www.casastv.com
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