care

Straw Man’s Opposite

Straw men are convenient to build and easy to destroy when trying to make a point that is far removed from the facts. They are an unfaithful way to summarize a debate. A steal man takes commitment. It is suggested that a good steal man conversation included the following: 1. A re-expression of the other sides point of view that is truthful to their mindset. 2. An accounting of the ways in which you and the other side agree. 3. A listing of the ways the other side has taught you something new. 4. Finally, a rebuttal with an expression of the points on which you disagree with the other sides point of view.

Straw men can be assembled and obliterated with almost no care. Steal men take an investment of time and thought. A steal man conversation build trust and care. How would you respond if a person with a different view took the time to launch a steal man conversation?

Exposure

How might we get the right amount of exposure to capture both the focal point and the background? It is often the elements that are not in focus that make the image remarkable.

I recently toured the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the exhibit of photographer John E. Marriott. I found his wildlife images to be striking. His ability to use the camera as a vehicle to transport, to engage, humor, and amaze is uncanny. The photographic story he tells is more complex that putting wildlife in the center of the frame. There is a tension, emotion, complexity, and depth to each print. How might we add a similar amount of care to our art? How might we not mistake exposure for connection?

Confidence

Not your confidence. The confidence of those who believe in you. The people who believe you are worth their loyalty and support. Those that cheer for you and risk their social capitol to recommend your services to others.

What if confidence is broken? What if it falls apart? This is not about disappointment but a break in trust. If we are designing what is essential to our work, the confidence of those we intend to serve is at the very center.