I want what is best for you!
Last month I had the unique privilege to marry my son and his high school sweetheart. “I want what is best for you” was the theme of my remarks.
Love, and all successful relationships, are based on respect, compromise, and kindness. My challenge to everyone that day was to imagine how different things would be if every interaction was guided by wanting the best for the other person.
From our backyard wedding to the outside world, “I want what is best for you” can these days seem hard to find. The news and social media endlessly highlight the political extremes, soaring crime, social injustice, and divisive court decisions. Our cities, states, and country seem to be increasingly fractured, with one side hellbent on beating the other.
Two events last weekend reminded me that “I want what is best for you” really does exist and can be found whenever there is a sense of community.
Swedish Days – Geneva, IL. My wife joined me on a quick business trip and we had several hours in the quaint downtown. The main street was full of families, couples, and people of all sorts, enjoying a beautiful day and going in and out of the many small shops. Despite the many people, it was calm. Peaceful. My wife felt we were in a Hallmark movie, where everyone wants the best for each other!
Strawberry Festival - Cedarburg, WI. The streets were crowded with thousands of visibly diverse groups of people. Inevitably, someone bumps into someone else. I heard lots of "excuse me's." There was no shouting, no snipping, even though I suspected political and social beliefs were as diverse as the shapes, clothing, and skin colors.
Being part of these events made me think of the business communities I am part of, and serve. Whether I am attending an Idea Collective, Corporate Casual, or IBAW event, I am confident that others would wish the best for me, and I for them.
The same goes for the clients I serve. I want to do what is best for them. Until this weekend, I had not recognized the parallels between my business values and my wedding message to a special couple. Unfortunately, what you want and what is best are not always the same. Sometimes you need to hear a stark truth. Sometimes the answer is no.
I have been told these blogs should always end with a call to action. You know, "schedule a call!"
Today it will be different. I simply ask you to begin every conversation with “I want what is best for you!”.
You can call me later to tell me how it felt.
Magically yours,
Lynn
920-948-3355 (for when you call)
