Selecting the Swirl

Life is so much easier when things are definitive. Life or death, for instance. One or the other. No in between. My guess is most folks would claim to prefer a world where such definition or lines in the sand are very much the rule rather than the exception. At the same time, those same people, I believe, would acknowledge that life contains much ambiguity. As much as we might prefer matters that are black or white, to ignore the grayness that comes with reality is to ignore much of life itself. Thus, life contains both: clear definition and fuzzy choices. That alone is what gives our existence its multiple layers of complexity.

To make life even more complex, mankind even adds to that complexity. To support that remark, I offer up only piece of evidence: ice cream swirl. In a world of definition, one choices either vanilla or chocolate. Yet to help those who like both and who do not wish to choose between the two, mankind created the swirl where both flavors are combined, thus freeing one from agonizing over the two. Let's face it: being definitive can be very stressful. Thank goodness for the swirls of the world.  At times, the swirls can even save us from choices that may bring us great regret or exacerbate a situation.

Communicators can play a role in helping people navigate tough calls where choosing right or left may not actually be the best alternative. In the world of business or, pardon the expression, politics, for instance, communicators can compile information or facts from all sides of an issue and work with those they represent to make sound decisions. Further, they can coach their employers to maintain an open mind and recognize that not all issues require "either-or" solutions. Sometimes, selecting the swirl really is the best way to go. The challenge for the communicator is making sure the person making the decisions is wise and courageous enough to recognize that.