TRIPLE III TIME: “Right?-Wrong? Or Gray?”

Oct 10

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One of the most “fun” and thought-provoking times during many of my American Government & Politics class sessions is when I pose the open-ended question:
 
“What would the U.S. Founding Fathers think and/or say about an issue?”
 
Thankfully I get more participation and for sure a lot of differing suggestions.  But in so many instances the class found themselves at a clarification point that asks:  “Would the Founding Fathers say a certain action is:  “Right?-Wrong? Or Gray?” in its advancement?
 
Let me better explain our discussions with examples and hopefully make clear why this is a timely TRIPLE III TIME message topic.  
 
First, think about political name-calling.  Everyone agreed that the Founding Fathers would take the position that it is professionally “Wrong”.  The class also pointed out that today name-calling is not allowed on the playground or in the classroom…so why is it condoned at the highest levels of public sector jobs?  The explanation I offered was “Freedom of Speech constitutional laws”.  And although they understood the Freedom of Speech rationale…they could not accept that what’s “Right” and “Wrong” can be placed in a “Gray” area when committed by famous people or those holding high-level jobs.
 
In another “Right?-Wrong? Or Gray?” discussion…the focus was on how deep the United States could go into debt.  And again similar to the name-calling issue, the class agreed that it is “Wrong” for our country to be in any kind of debt…much less over $30 Trillion!  Plus it is noteworthy that they reminded me that citizens aren’t allowed to legally go into that kind of debt and that the Founding Fathers would be appalled.
 
My not so acceptable explanation was that the long-term, large debt was just a part of the U.S. doing its “business as usual”.  We all agreed that the “debt” issue could never be considered as a “Right” action and even in our worst of times should it be permitted as permissible within the “Gray” area.
 
The goal of this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is NOT to make a political statement…rather to encourage everyone in their personal and professional lives to try and stay in the “Right” area of action and decision-making.  Overuse of the “Gray” area lessens your ability to:  (1) show true commitment to what you stand for…(2) have co-workers trust in your ability to make quality future business decisions…and (3) provide confidence in your understandability to do the “Right” thing every time…all the time.

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About Inspiring Innovations, Inc.

Marv Pichla is currently the owner and Creative Advisor for his own small business, Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Sharing his unique experience with entrepreneurship and innovation in public service, Marv consults with public and private business, education, and community organizations to develop new and different problem solving methods through real-life example-based learning. Prior to starting-up Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Marv served as Executive Director for Thumb Area Michigan Works! As Executive Director, Marv used public sector innovation as his guide for the organizations regional career development, employment service, education and strategic planning initiatives. Finally, Marv was raised on a farm in the Thumb Area of Michigan where he claims he received the education principles he values most. However, he obtained his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Center Michigan University in Public Administration and eventually his Ph.D. from Capella University in Minnesota. Marv can be reached at: mpichla@inspiringinnovationsllc.com

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