There are a lot of tips, tricks, “how-to’s” and hack based articles, blog posts, and columns, everywhere. And there always have been.
Partially, this is because the people reading the articles want the easy out. This is evidenced in corporate training where attendees will say “I don’t want the theory, just give me the practical tips.” Or, ask “Is there a silver bullet for this?”
The silver bullet.
The easy answer.
Cheat codes in video games.
Will this be on the test?
What’s the shortcut?
I don’t want to hear your story.
I don’t care about the theory.
I want to work smarter, not harder.
More 10 second videos.
This was too long, and I didn’t read it.
Could you make the letter/blog post/email shorter?
Do I have to study?
Are we there yet?
This is taking too long.
It’ll be there in thirty minutes or the next one is free.
You’re using ten long words to say something you could say in four short words.
Yes, there are more and more ways to get around doing the hard work of engaging, relationship building, thinking about theory and how it applies to your life, and the challenges of actually addressing situations rather than outcomes. But there are fewer and fewer ways to get long form analysis, well thought out arguments, structured content, and opportunities to take in a philosophy, struggle with it, and learn from it.
We don’t need more tips and tricks. We’ve got enough of that.
We do need more deliberation, theory, thinking, and testing. And from that comes the ability to take calculated risks in conflicts—and perhaps to build that world that we all so desperately claim to want.
-Peace Be With You All-
Jesan Sorrells, MA
Principal Conflict Engagement Consultant
Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT)
Email HSCT: jsorrells@hsconsultingandtraining.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSConsultingandTraining
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Sorrells79
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesansorrells/
