Pragmatism is basically considered a virtue in the world of accounting, finance and consulting. But there is a risk of being too realistic and over-relying on how you’ve always done things.

My son, who works for a financial firm, shared his recent experience.  A group of mid-level managers in that firm, leading a new initiative to expand the client-base, is displaying close-mindedness to new ideas from the staff.  He mused, “I think you can become so realistic that you can’t see new possibilities.”

When staff observe managers and leaders squelching creative solutions they shut down.  They  think, “If the manager doesn’t want to hear my ideas, I won’t share them.” That manager just unknowingly cost the firm possibilities that can only be realized from having all brains in the game.

Are you a realist?  Don’t get stuck in the predictable behaviors and solutions of the past. Listen to the dreamers around you.

Seth Godin asks, “Who is making you uncomfortable?” and warns that insulating ourselves from uncomfortable conversations benefit no one.

Avoiding the uncomfortable encounters with colleagues and staff means we forfeit the power of self-awareness and insight…the stuff that sparks growth and breakthrough.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the giving  or receiving end of the difficult conversation, growth is possible for all involved.

The issue of course is what we do with this new information and knowledge. Those who are highly resilient have trouble absorbing the lessons and move on to quickly. The sensitive are at risk of getting angry or falling into despair.  But those who are committed to being their best let the message in.  They absorb the full impact, no matter how painful, and come out stronger, wiser and more effective.

Get the feedback.  Let it make you better.

…but are you convincing?

Few things can be more frustrating than a person who tells you what you want to hear, but fails to persuade you that they mean it. You know, those times when you’re looking a person in the eye and you hear them saying all the right things; and yet, in your deepest being you know that person is manipulating you and  has no intention of backing up their words with corresponding actions.

We all want to believe what others are telling us.  What’s amazing to me is that many of us will go to great lengths to convince ourselves that the person intends to do what they say, even when our personal experience with them indicates otherwise.  We pride ourselves in having given them the benefit of the doubt.

How many times are we expected to give the inconsistent ones among us the benefit of the doubt?

The best action to take for everyone involved is to give yourself the benefit of the doubt and trust your experience with those who say one thing and habitually do another.  You’re not the one with the problem.  Unless of course you so choose.