A few days ago, I was at the Grinders Coffee Bar, participating in a meeting on provincial electoral reform. A gentleman came up to me and, in a quiet measured friendly tone, quizzed me on my views on outsourcing. He then told me, again in a very measured friendly tone, that he disagrees with outsourcing. Now, the very fact that this person approached me at all indicates that he probably strongly disagrees with outsourcing.
But I was so thankful to hear his views especially for his approach to expressing his views. It was not a closed fist but an open hand. So different than BC labour leader Jim Sinclair's comments that my views were stupid and that I should consider resigning.
You see, I am always open to changing my mind. But, with the harsh criticism that sometimes come with this job, I have to fight the tendency to circle the wagons and dig my heels in.
Plus harsh criticism does little to open up productive discussion, debate, and dialogue on new ideas. Trying to shut people down is no way to continue to innovate and become better.
So, thank you to Dale McRann! I know we talked about discussing outsourcing and other issues some more, and I really look forward to doing that.
Excellent post! We can all learn from the varying approaches you have been on the receiving end of.
Posted by: Jane | February 15, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Right on, Arjun!
Posted by: Sean Luciw | February 20, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Well said Arjun..and kudos to Mr.Mcrann for his tact!
It's odd..we buy made in China goods all the time, because it's cheaper for us to do so. We don't really care that the more expensive Canadian made product provides Canadians with jobs, which will ultimately disappear due to this practice.
If this is accepted for the majority, then so should outsourcing. We either put up the baricades equally, or open the gates to all!
Posted by: p leibel | May 11, 2007 at 11:51 AM