This is NOT intended to be a political post. However, there could be a political…or business…or personal impact for you because of what is discussed here.

• How many political protests — peaceful or otherwise — are we observing right now?
• How many emphatic and forceful posts on social media are you observing that are aggressively asserting that the position the author holds is the “right” one — and everyone who disagrees is an idiot?

Protesters and posters alike are not only attempting to establish the primacy of their position — they’re also implying that all of us should care about it with as much fervor as they possess.

That never works.

You cannot force someone to care…just because you do.

• Ever tried to MAKE someone love you? How did that relationship work out? (My guess…not well.)
• Ever tried to MAKE someone else be more motivated or inspired? How did that work out — long term? (My guess…they maintained about the same level of motivation and inspiration as before your attempt to change them.)

And, that’s the point. When you try to make someone else care about your position, love you, or change their attitude, a closer examination might prove that you’re initiating that effort more to benefit you than to assist them.

The same is true in business. 

If I was protesting something right now, I would stop and ask how my actions would serve to change anyone’s mind. If all you’re doing is becoming so assertive that you are repellent — how does that do anything but ensure that you’re going to lose favor with the public again?

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not saying that you shouldn’t voice your convictions! I am suggesting that how you do it is of critical importance.