Ron's Reflections

It has been an enlightening week this week with a number of conversations and opportunities to reflect. 

A couple of items that have been shared with me this week during spontaneous conversations walking between meetings (another topic for another day – value of spontaneity and serendipity enabled by being “in-person”)

First One

“Ask yourself three before you say anything. 1) Does this need to be said 2) “Does this need to be said by me? 3) Does this need to be said by me now?” (attributed to Craig Ferguson)

Words matter – and how, when, and where those words and feedback are delivered have a significant impact (not always positive), impact the wrong folks (is the audience the right audience to hear what I have to say), or have no impact (did the individuals that needed to hear what I have to say actually hear it and have the opportunity to understand and learn from the message).

Socrates had his “Triple Filter Test” as well. According to ChatGPT, the Triple Filter Test, often attributed to Socrates, is a philosophical guideline for deciding whether or not to share information. It consists of three filters:

1. Truth: The first filter is about the veracity of the information. Before sharing any piece of information, one should ascertain whether it is true. This involves verifying facts and sources rather than spreading rumors or unconfirmed stories. If there is any doubt about the truthfulness of the information, it is ethically responsible not to pass it on.
2. Goodness: The second filter concerns the nature of the information in terms of its positivity or negativity. This step requires one to consider if the information is something good, kind, or beneficial to others. It’s not just about whether the information is true, but also about whether it is constructive and uplifting. Sharing negative or hurtful truths, even if they are true, can often be unnecessary and can lead to harm or discomfort.
3. Usefulness: The final filter deals with the practicality or utility of the information. This step questions whether the information is of use or importance to the person receiving it. It’s about considering the relevance and significance of the information in the context it’s being shared. Even if something is both true and good, if it isn’t particularly useful or relevant to the person it’s being told to, it might be better left unsaid.

Through these three filters, the Triple Filter Test encourages thoughtful and responsible communication, emphasizing the importance of truth, positivity, and usefulness in our interactions.

Second One

I can’t recall the exact wording, but in essence what I took from the conversation and some reflection…

I have a choice on how I show up at work every day. I can not control what others think, say, do or how they react or how they show up each day. All I have control of is what I say, how I say it, how I react, and how I bring my best self to work and life every day. How I show up each day does impact all of those around me.

A big shout out to the 2 folks that provided these words of wisdom and inspiration this week. Sometimes great insights, thoughts, and reminders simply appear out of the blue at the least expected moment.

Have a great day and a great weekend (Go Packers). Let me know what’s Top Of Mind for you…..

A little more fun with DALL-E

(Image created by DALL-E)