Opening Up to New Ideas / Concepts

I'll start this blog with a little sushi analogy (as that is what I am enjoying right now).

I'm thinking to myself, I'm here in another city, in another province, in another culture. I don't have to worry about feeding anyone by myself, so why not go get some sushi.

Now I am only a beginner when it comes to the sushi world, but I have come to discover some things I really like and a few that I don't when it comes to sushi. Well I walk into this Fuji Sushi and I start looking at things that I already know I like, and I notice, they have a summer sushi special it has mango, strawberries and cheese in it!!! That's sushi? So I think to myself, what the heck and I get some (I'm going to try my first bite now). It's amazing!! Who would have thunk that something so out of the box would taste so good?

Today during the workshop I was attending, filled with an ADM, RD's, EOAP's & LR's.... (the more money you make the more often you are referred to by acronym) we went around the room introducing ourselves. Well an hour into the introductions my table comes around and I introduce myself as "a GSU Local President from Halifax".

Some whispering from person to person happens, people wondering what in the Hell a measly 'local president' is doing at this workshop among the upper echelons of our organization (my interpretation of this).

LOL, perfect, I'm already taken them out of their comfort zone and opened them up to something new.

Who would have thought that someone who is a 'front line' employee might have anything pertinent to offer to this National Recommendation Workshop process... well at least one person did, this is why I am here.

This makes me think of my whole leadership summer project, where along the lines of 'success' does one forget that they also once had good ideas and thoughts when they were on the front line? And why in the world would they think they were the exception and not the norm?

I can see where diversity comes into play here too. As soon as people found out who I was (i.e. my status) they made assumptions about me and about my validity of being at this table. Little did they know that I don't look at the status and rank of an individual, I look at the individual (just like me) as having something equally valid to say.

So I carefully chose my words when I introduced myself. I made sure everyone knew where I was coming from and who I represent, I personally paid no mind to what others were doing and thinking, yet it was brought to my attention by some of my colleagues after the session, and I am truly happy to have been that invitation for them to open their eyes to the little bit more they may have ignored before.

I spoke my truth of the perception and disconnect that is still prevalent in our workplace. About how those involved in the union/management relations on a day to day basis know the good relationship we have, but the majority of the culture in our workplace still views union involvement and activism as a bad thing. For me I spoke of being told it wouldn't look good on me if I was involved in the union, that it would be a career stopper.

More recently how when I approached someone to recruit into the local executive after that person expression an interest, she is all of the sudden concerned with what that might mean for her career. She was told that it wouldn't be a good thing to get involved with the union. It is still happening and going on, yet we choose to be blind to what we don't think we can fix.

I have written numerous articles for our departments regional newsletter surrounding the theme of how times have changed, how our region has a great relationship with management, not agreeing all the time yet always respecting each other and where we are coming from. (in my experience). Yet still that lingering perception exists.

How can we change that? By breaking down the barriers and expanding peoples perceptions. Opening them up to other peoples views (not having to agree, but listening). Being open to new ideas and concepts (not necessarily meaning adopting them for your own).

You just might be surprised. Someone you may have perceived as being beneath you might have some cutting edge and innovative ideas if you would just stop and listen. GASP.

For those who know me, you know I am not shy (not anymore). I will speak in front of a crowd, I will put forward my ideas and let them hang there, you choose... hear them or not. But remember by hearing them you don't need to agree or disagree. It's not good or bad, it simply is.

We can learn so much from each other if we just allow each other the time to listen and not feel the need to judge.

Tomorrow is yet another day... there is always (thankfully) more.