Communicating effectively involves paying attention to details.
I was at a meeting recently that got quite heated, with three voices in particular standing out:
PERSON 1: They should do XYZ.
PERSON 2: They must do XYZ.
PERSON 3: They want to do XYZ.
Should = Morals
[Often means doing the right thing – the maximum]
Must = Obligation
[Often means doing what is legally required – the minimum]
Want = Desire
[Often means doing what we can get away with – enough]
Different people will often be at different stages. Rarely are all three perfectly aligned, and tension arises when there are gaps, and/or misunderstandings.
If we find ourselves disagreeing, it’s worth considering whether there is a difference in our motivation.
Why are we doing this?
Morals, Obligation, or Desire?
