By Sharon Tennison, President, Center for Citizen Initiatives
Why I’m on my way to Russia!
Why? Because I want to learn why Russians assume we are in Cold War II––and if they think we are headed for WWIII.
If problems develop between people, we need to be communicating, right?
Experts say communication/listening is essential for good relations with children, mates, neighbors and any relationships.
…. shouldn’t this also extend to nations? When we have problems with Russia, why does our side stop talking?
When we do talk, what type of communication do we use with Russia?
What do our officials really, really want from Russia? What do we citizens want from Russia?
Answers to these two last questions may be worlds apart!
Expert’s tell us it’s dangerous to hold and promote only one point of view on anything
In the past we’ve all been narrow minded, self pre-occupied, haven’t considered others’ points along with ours.
Isn’t this also true with nations which have different histories, cultures and social DNA than ours?
How to handle this with a nation like Russia?
Shouldn’t we comport ourselves as a nation, like we were taught as children growing up?
Shouldn’t we carry on our relations with other nations the same as we do with our colleagues?
It sounds to me that when it comes to nations, we think and do just the opposite:
We announce our intentions, expect others to comply, carry a big stick and use it if others don’t serve our interests.
How far would we get with these kinds of behaviors in any of our other relationships?
Where is it taking us with regard to Russia?
How about trying the time-tested, trusted Sandbox Manifesto with Russia?
- Those who share and who care more, end up succeeding.
Messy is okay –– try different methods to get to win-win. - Dream big and bold––experiment, anything is possible if we dare to believe it will work.
- Sand is not for throwing — it hurts others’ eyes and creates long-term resistances.
- Never underestimate the power of simple acts of human kindness. Hugs help, genuine smiles matter.
- Problems will come! Share them openly and find new cooperative ways to make the relationship work.
- Aristotle said, “one hour of play tells more about others than hours of intellectual conversation.”
- Most importantly, honor one another; if so, there is nothing that can’t be accomplished together.
I’m going to Russia to check out how Russians would prefer we deal with them to avoid WWIII!
What methodologies do you think we have used in dealing with Russia to date?
What would happen if our communication toward Russia was like what we expect of our children on school playgrounds!
Would you like me to report back to you? If so, follow us here.
Sharon