Critics or Detractors

It is difficult to see duplicity and not be able to deal with it in a direct fashion however, haste is not in your favor. Those who follow you must know that you have nothing to fear from an examination of what you’ve been saying. By taking time to deal fairly and address concerns without allowing yourself to be dogged, you will reassure members of the validity of what they’re coming to believe. Truth never runs. Earlier, in dealing with the protestor, your integrity and truthfulness caused him or her to be ignored. Here, your patience and unflappable approach will likewise isolate this new problem. Working through these matters, as opposed to dismissing them, reveals the extent that you believe the new story. It tests your own conviction that for this organization to reach its destination the story must change and answers the question of your willingness to disagree with significant people, even to the extent of watching them leave. What this at first unseemly trouble accomplishes is that uncommitted members now will buy-in, interrupted momentum resumes but more broadly than before, people take leadership roles, and initiative increases. The beginnings of identity with the new story are underway. Though you will not dismiss issues, even in the volunteer staffed organization you may reach such an impasse that you will have to dismiss people.