The phrase black and white can have many meanings. This post could be about race, about opposites, or about right and wrong. The English language is amazing and highly confusing that this could be the case. To talk about black and white the way I want to, we need to start with the gray area. The vast abyss that mostly every decision or moment in our lives falls into. There are too many factors. It is leading to a generation of indecisiveness.
There are 3 types of people when it comes to seeing in black & white. I fall under the second category.
- Find it hard to see gray area, ever.
- People who can see it in certain situations, but not others.
- Those who only live in the gray area.
Seeing Black and White
When it comes to deadlines, I am definitely one of those people. You either hit the deadline or you miss the deadline. I understand that sometimes extensions are needed, but if you extend a deadline, it is not considered missing the first deadline.
I am also one of those people when it comes to responsibility. Responsibility could mean anything. In this case, I mean job responsibilities.
If you are receiving a salary, I am not quite sure the “gray area” reasoning of why I would be doing your job. Someone should start a company where you are paid for every completed task. I would be incentivized to work hard and earn my true salary. People could not argue they were being underpaid because their paycheck would relate directly to their work.
At work, sometimes you need to work outside of your black and white responsibility to help move the process forward. A suggestion for a better way to work may not necessarily fall under your domain, but it will help the greater good.
Time for Gray Areas
I think there are times when it is okay to have gray areas. There are some situations you cannot fathom until you are living in it. I can have empathy. I can understand when a situation may not be clear.
What I do not understand is those who live in the gray area. How can everything be an exception? If that is the case, exceptions become the norm. Rules go out the window. Chaos ensues.
Right and wrong is something that is decided based upon everyone’s unique moral code. People’s moral center may and will vary from mine.
If you find yourself having an ethical debate with someone, try to understand their point of view. You may not agree with them. They may not agree with you. There is not always a master rule book that will tell you who wins the debate.
Let’s try to listen, understand their point of view, and not try to change their opinion. Accept that we can have differing views and still collaborate.
Challenge
When you find yourself having an ethical debate with someone, take a deep breath and use it as a moment to grow.