How much “Contamination" is acceptable?

Have you ever gone along with something you didn’t agree with? If so it’s good to reflect why. It’s certainly true in life and in business alike that there are difficult choices to be faced and they all need decisions to be made.

 

I doubt any of us would suggest we lack the ability to make decisions but equally it’s unlikely we would admit we were easily swayed. In truth wanting to keep the peace, under pressure from others or simply not wanting to be unpopular can exert great influence on us. None of us are immune to this.

 

Some would argue that they are in tune with most people since their opinions are widely accepted and respected. This may seem to equate to being right when it more likely suggests the opinion is popular. What happens when we have to express an unpopular view though that does not run with the crowd?

 

Let’s imagine you join a Business with a clear philosophy based on high principle. It works well because of a clear vision and integrity. One day there is a change of Management and the philosophy ingrained in the Company’s success starts to disappear. Not wanting to upset the new Boss everyone goes along with it but in your “heart of hearts” you know it falls well outside the formula of success of many years and you know that others are uncomfortable too.

 

Naturally, you ask others their opinion and this is where the challenge begins. People have a tendency to self justify and can still sound plausible. “Look at it this way” someone suggests “It may not be the high standards of before but the Boss wants to stamp His own prints on things. It could be refreshing so just go along with it”.

 

To most people this will sound pretty reasonable but heres a question to consider. How much contamination are you willing to allow? This requires a personal choice. Imagine on a hot summer’s day you feel a bit dehydrated. You would welcome someone giving you a cold drink. Imagine though that as they passed it to you they put one drop of poison in. Its only one drop and most of it is pure water after all. Does it really matter?

 

Anything life threatening of course is dangerous ground and it’s the same in Business. When the original vision is dropped for convenience you have lost your Map. The risk is personal and only the strong see potential outcomes. It’s always possible to disagree without being disagreeable. When no-one speaks up why are they needed? At the very least we need to distinguish our views from others. Getting it right is longer lasting than popularity.