Unity…

When we take folks through the BTL purpose few disagree with our aim. Most align with the idea of building the kinda unity that can only come when humans are allowed to be who they are and, at the same time, belong where they are. Humans, remember, are deeply wired to belong and become. And, those two aims are conflicting.

Real unity is built. Unity comes when we feel like we belong where we are. We feel like we’re home with another or a community of others. We share something in common and are headed in a similar enough direction. Unity comes when we feel like we are becoming the original we already are. And, unity comes when we embrace the struggle inherent in both.

Show me a happy couple, a high performing team, or a sustainable system of any sort, and, unity will be the very foundation on which it stands. The funny thing about unity is it mostly comes as a result of open, honest, conflict. The happiest couples had to learn how to fight fair. The highest performing teams had to learn how to hold each other accountable. And any sustainable system has to fight for its survival. Strong people have to learn how to use their strength to make others feel more, not less…

And, no partnership is equal. No marriage either. Hell, friendships aren’t even close to fair. Every system, if its to survive and thrive, must be led by someone who understands that real unity is built. And,it’s not built equally, equitably, or fairly. Want more unity around you? STOP looking for the perfect partner, teammate, acquisition, or the like. Instead, learn how to fight to improve performance not to prove a point. Pick a fight with you. Become the original you already are, but you’ve been too afraid to unmask. And, take that same kinda fight to those around you. Challenge them out of your belief. Distinct and deeply connected will come slowly and through this struggle.

ONE, distinct and deeply connected, is the one you want. Everybody loves the idea. Almost nobody has a clue. Real, hard, work is the recipe and nobody has enough time. Are you getting a headache yet?

Model the way. Embrace the struggle. Embody truth in love. Unity is miles from false harmony. False harmony has spread like an epidemic simply because it’s so much easier to look good these days and creatively hide our behinds. Unity is built by the few. Be one…