Community and Positive Communication
– By #MillerSD
I recently heard this phrase, “positive leaders and community members in our community are passive.” That really stuck with me… because it’s true. People want to have conversations about the negative stuff. They don’t want to hear about the positive boring stuff. Why is it that more people show up to meeting or conversation when they have a problem? Why do we hear more about the problems in our community versus the wins that we have right here in Miller? Let’s build a POSTIVE community together through POSTIVE communication.
At the center of positive communicating and a sense of belonging we find conversations worthhaving. A conversation worth having is one that communicates, verbally and non-verbally. It shows up when we acknowledge someone’s strengths and gifts; when we ask them questions that help us understand who they are. Interactions that communicate respect and worthiness tell people they are important; they have something valuable to contribute. When we have these kinds of conversations in our own community, the world of connection and creative possibility open up.
If you look up the meaning of community. You’ll find definition: (1) people living in a certain place (as a village or city): the area itself. I don’t think this is what we have in mind when we talk about building community (especially here in Miller). More likely we’re thinking of community as a group of people that care about each other and feel they belong together. This definition suggests connection and relationship, energy and purpose. Such communities are built in positive conversation.
Real community requires a “we” attitude. What might be possible if we begin to have conversations about building communities that work for everyone? Conversations about what we want, instead of interactions focused on arguing or criticizing what is. What future would you like to bring about to Miller? I encourage you to become a conversational leader for positive change… who isn’t passive!
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