Those that are familiar will understand the quasi cryptic message of this post. I see no need to draw further attention to certain organizations at this time. Neither through name mentions or links. As I said, the ones that need to, will understand.
I’ve listened to both interviews. At first, admittedly, with less than fair objectivity. I threw up a few zingers on social media. I jumped on the bandwagon, though, frankly, I have little invested in the debate. I’ve not done business with the business in question in quite some time. By choice. For reasons other than those that have come to light in the last few weeks.
Last night, I listened to one of the interviews again. This time, promising to do so with more objectivity. Not taking sides. Simply listening. I went for a lengthy walk, freed myself of all distractions, and just listened.
What I heard was a leader who has failed to lead. Not the first. Not that last. I’ll not expand upon the subject any further than this.
Do I know the whole story? No. Do any of us? No. Will we ever? Doubtful.
After spending some time sincerely reflecting on the entire situation, I kept coming back to the same gut conclusion.
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” ~ John 8:7
Now that certain truths have been exposed, though, again, perhaps we don’t know the full scope of said truths, the manhunt is in full swing. Guards raised. Protests commenced. Exodus initiated. Judgement passed.
I found myself questioning whether I’m equipped to judge. One thing said in one of the interviews spoke to certain misinformation being latched onto, to the point that it’s become a belief. I don’t doubt there’s truth in that statement. I also don’t deny that much of the information presented is exactly as it appears on the surface.
That said, without all the facts, how can I fairly judge?
I can’t. So I won’t.
Each of us will take the information that’s come to light and make decisions about how to respond. Each of us will decide how it impacts our business, how we’ll speak about the events that have unfolded. Each of us will choose what action we’ll take or won’t.
My choice, for now at least, is to listen without judgement and to put down my stone.
I have an opportunity to be part of the problem or be part of the solution. For me, to propagate derogatory messages, soapboxing rhetoric, or really, any words or actions that offer no reasonable contribution to the solution, seems like an unfair and unproductive use of my voice and this platform I’ve worked hard to build.
For my part in the manhunt, I am apologetic. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Perhaps that’s why another thought has weighed heavy on my heart in the last day.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ~ James 1:19
I have a stake in this voice over industry I love, promote, teach and earn my living from. I have a responsibility as someone who has chosen to be a voice for our community through this blog. For these reasons, I’ll continue to listen. I’ll continue to ask questions when the opportunity arises. I’ll share an opinion when I feel it relevant, helpful or prudent.
In the meantime, I’ll also be thinking harder about what I can do to contribute to the solution, rather than the problem. A solution that is fair and right for us all.
Perhaps you will to? Maybe together, we can find it, implement it, and benefit from it in professional manner with the utmost respect and integrity.
After all, if sacrifice our integrity, what do we have left of value?
