March 2010 Issue 2
Can a group operate without perspective? I offer the answer of yes. Perspective can only be achieved when we are seeking the complete truth of a situation. Last time I shared that we define perspective as the clear, undeterred truth of where we are today and how we arrived here. One of you responded by asking if I believe absolute truth can be achieved. I referred to a book, recommended years early by the same person, Great Ideas by Adler. Adler takes 102 “objects of thought “as he calls them and researched what the great thinkers of the world have to say about each subject. For ‘Truth’ he quotes Aristotle who says “If there were no absolute truth there would be no reason to walk around a well “. I love it. Do I believe absolute truth exist? Yes. Do I believe that it is 100% achievable by a group of people seeking perspective? Possibly not completely, but I have observed too many times to deny that a higher understanding is gained from the collective wisdom of a group.
The first day of a strategic operating plan is set aside for perspective. It is not unusual for us to discover there is missing or incomplete information. We don’t stop the plan to go get it, but it becomes a critical first step. It’s a like a warning blaring “PAY ATTENTION!” Tom Paterson, Founder of the Paterson Strategic Operating Plan © offers this guidance; “A plan built on the truth is destined to succeed, a plan built on fiction is destined to fail, do you know the truth? “
Another point of wisdom on this same subject he offers is “Always try and find the truth first, it is much more painful when it finds you.” If you need help gaining perspective, let’s talk.
Tommy
