Our world is burning – what do we do next?

The question: How are we going to create a better future? consumes me today. Last week people were arguing about the value of wearing a mask in the context of a pandemic. Today, we are watching a world in flames over racial injustice. In Minneapolis, we like to think we are cultured, and socially-minded, and civil. The events of this past week are changing that storyline – arguing about masks right now seems silly.

As I watched both the peaceful protests and the rioting, I suddenly became aware that I am soon to become a grandfather. My daughter Katie and her husband Max are expecting on October 1, 2020. The label “2020” will be forever infamous in history. And I’m wondering if (or how) things might be better by October first. Or is it possible things could get worse over the next four months?

Finding the goodness

By now you know we believe in goodness. Goodness is when people thrive together in a culture of encouragement, accountability, and positive teamwork. I believe goodness pays. So, where’s the goodness in all this?

For me, the goodness has me focusing on three thoughts that can help:

1. How do I learn more about how my unconscious privilege is fueling the fires?
2. How can I change the dialogue of my firm to be more inclusive, more inviting, and less tolerant of those who discriminate?
3. How can I help our clients and friends realize their role in both the problem and the solution?

Watch this video, and start changing your life

For starters, I’m sharing this powerful video that explains where the anger from the injustice starts. It’s a beautiful video. Powerful in its simplicity. It doesn’t target anyone. It motivated me to change my message today: We are all a part of the problem. And we are all a part of the solution. One of my clients and friends – a black man – sent this video to me as a place to start. Let me know what it does for you.