Speaking Up

START-UP NATION is a book released in the late 2000’s that documents the incredible entrepreneurial history and culture of Israel.  For it’s small size and precarious position in the Middle East it’s a nation that produces an outsized number of new companies and innovations.

Some of the stories in the book detail manufacturing companies producing computer parts in the midst of being bombed by another country.  Another story goes over the stark difference between the US Military and the Israeli Military.  Israel has a conscription military with all citizens required to serve for at least 2 years of active duty.  While rank is important in the Israeli Military, performance and outcomes seem to be the main drivers of Military Culture.  The book describes the fact that in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) the lowest ranking private has the freedom to openly criticize the highest ranking general.  As someone who served in the US Military, I know this is not the case in US Military Culture.

I would argue that this is not the case in most US Companies, Schools, or General Work situations.  From a very early age I was taught to put on a different personality at school and ‘professionalism’ at work often meant learning to ignore issues with culture and leadership in the various work environments I found myself in.  Even though we are a very free country, there was a lot of conformity and fear built into the way I was taught to engage with the educational system and the working world.  Much of my communication over the last 10 years has been about untangling those ideas and breaking down their validity.  In times past this has involved detachment from old systems or at least an expressed frustration.

“I’m tired of being an employee!”

“College is too damned expensive and it doesn’t teach you anything practical!”

And other similar statements.  However, the older I get the more I’m trying to put myself in a position to critique with honesty and suggestion, without fear of loss of status or income:

“Being an employee is fine when you work in a culture where you’re encouraged to voice concerns and you don’t have to pretend like you’re working your dream job.”

“College is too damned expensive but it’s certainly an option that can produce lots of opportunity if the student has the means to pay for it.  I personally wouldn’t recommend going into debt for it but that’s my opinion.”

This is one of my favorite books because it reminds me of the power of sharing bold thoughts and ideas.  I harp on physical and financial health because we are far less likely to speak up when we are scared that we will lose our livelihood and not be able to gracefully navigate transition.  So we get physically strong and financially strong so we don’t feel beholden to bad situations and feel emboldened to speak up to change those situations for the better.