Ponderings (November 2007) - “DIFFERENCE”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Difference is “the quality or state of being different; an instance of differing in nature, form, or quality; a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average; the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations; distinction or discrimination in preference; disagreement in opinion”

Sharing my thoughts …

TeamWorx helps organizations and families identify and value the differences of each member.  Organizations made up of people that are similar to each other do not progress as effectively as those consisting of a diverse team of individuals.  When differences are honored and utilized effectively, communication, productivity and individual satisfaction improve.  Valuing the differences enables each individual to feel proud of his/her unique contribution to the group and it empowers the team, whether that team is a business, a family or any other group of people.  Enjoy valuing the differences!

Questions to ponder …

1. What can you do to celebrate and value the differences?
2. What differences in others do you find irritating and why?
3. What differences in others do you find appealing and why?
4. How do you react to co-workers who work differently than you?
5. What are your beliefs concerning people who are similar to you?
6. What are your beliefs concerning people who are different than you?
7. At home, how can you honor the differences of your family members?
8. At work, how can you utilize peoples’ differences to create a powerful team?
9. At work, how can you utilize peoples’ differences to create a powerful team?
10. Thinking of the key people in your life, what are the differences that you value most?

Related quotes …

He who is different from me does not impoverish me - he enriches me.  Our unity is constituted in something higher than ourselves - in Man.  For no man seeks to hear his own echo, or to find his reflection in the glass.  [Antoine De Saint-Exupery]

Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.  [Mahatma Gandhi]

I believe that if we really want human brotherhood to spread and increase until it makes life safe and sane, we must also be certain that there is no one true faith or path by which it may spread. But it is not easy to banish the notion that there can be universal brotherhood just as soon as everybody gives up his faith and accepts ours. That day may never come, for the richness of human diversity cannot be abolished any more than Mars or Jupiter. Difference is the nature of life, it is part of our moral Universe. Without difference, life would become lifeless.  [Adlai Stevenson]

If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.  [John F. Kennedy]

A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together.  It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.  [Dave Meurer]