As I struggle with my own fear, my own self-censoring, I realize how controlled many of us really are. I’ve been aware of this for a long time so there’s no excuse for it. But being aware of something and acting on it are two entirely different things. The truth of the matter hit me like a two-by-four when I wrote these words earlier this week:

This openness to engage in conflict during meetings is refreshing. As my new superintendent said during the interview process, it involves working in an environment that allows one to “Put the skunk on the table.” That’s why blogging is so powerful…it enables us to put the skunks on the table.

While it is true that speaking your mind can get you fired, dismissed from employment, and all types of negative consequences that can dramatically impact your life and those of family–thus, not to be entered into lightly–there is a FEAR that is immediately transferred to everything done. It is a fear that by being honest, up front, and truthful, that how others perceive you will be damaged. Of course, speaking truthfully doesn’t mean lacking tact. Truth is spoken in words, or silence to a response. It is eloquent, without uttering a word. To speak the truth when no one will is the saving act of integrity.

Now, perception is reality. Everyone knows that. And, first impressions last forever. Yet, the assumption is that being truthful is only done…up to a point. That we can only put certain skunks on the table, and leave the rest alone. That we can chat about certain topics, but leave the others untouched. I occasionally go back and re-read my Transformation blog entries not only because they are about transformation, but about coming to better understand who I am, what change I want to be in the world. I can often look to this category of my blog to challenge me to reflect on my work and actions. Several authors have helped me with learning how to put the skunk on the table.

It reminds me that blogging is powerful, liberating, allowing me a freedom that I have not had in ANY OTHER form of writing. Owning your vulnerability and confessing your failures…can flip the switch on inner power and motivation.

One of those entries is the Powerful Beyond Measure, a quote I became familiar with as a result of Coach Carter movie. As I wake up each day, I learn to live honestly more. I have a long ways to go, but I find myself making some progress on answering this question that Dietrich Bonhoeffer poses:

We have been silent witnesses of evil deeds. We have been drenched by many storms. We have learnt the arts of equivocation and pretense… Are we still of any use?

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure