Taking Responsibility

As it is with so much else in life, communication brings with it its own baggage. Specifically, once one enters into any kind of sustained communication with someone else or with another public, then you are sharing the reigns of responsibility that you are going to make that interaction work. An example can be found at the beginning of a potentially special relationship to which you commit yourself. When you meet a guy or gal with whom you want to be with and, by some miracle, they want to be with you, there are some fundamental questions that in all probability run through your head. What are that person's interests? What are their likes and dislikes? Do they have any concerns from previous relationships? Do they, by chance, have any issues with me or is there any part of my history that needs to be addressed? These kind of questions are essential as they represent jumping off points to the construction of what can be a sustained bridge between you and that other person. If you seriously begin taking steps to answer these questions, then you are at the beginning stages of taking responsibility for helping make the communication between the two of you effective and successful.

This little scenario, of course, speaks to a one-on-one connection between individuals. But it can and should also apply to outreach efforts involving various entities. A great example of this is happening on the international front right now. Specifically, President Obama is set to make an important speech in Egypt in which he is going to address the relationship between our country and the countries in that part of the world as well as his vision of how he wishes to see our ties with them progress. While I do not know specifically what he is going to say, I do know the mere fact he is giving this largely unprecedented speech represents his willingness to take responsibility for the success of our country's relationships with that part of the world.

Make no mistake, that responsibility must be shared. Its success, as it is with two people, depends upon the good-faith efforts of both parties. Hopefully they will respond in kind. If they do, then this will be an extremely positive turn of events. But a word of caution: even when the parties agree to accept responsibility for the welfare of their relationship, it in no way means there will not be bumps in the road, missteps, or misunderstandings. Believe me, there will be. But the good news is a joint commmitment to communicate is the best answer to those unwanted turns in the road. It does not guarantee answers to tough questions or problems, but without communication there is no way any issues or concerns will be addressed in a meaningful way.