Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Do You Really Want Change?

"Keep Quiet"
"Don't Complain"
"Father Will Provide"
"You're Too Hasty"

These statements are made to people who want to speak out for change and improvement. I will stay that before you can ask for change, you have to know the situation/status of the particular matter.

There is a lot of wrong in the world but if we all stay quiet and leave it up to the other person to speak out or take action, then we will never progress. One slave had to encourage and enable the others to revolt. Persons like Noel Lloyd stood up for the rights of the native Virgin Islanders. When he stood up, he was standing up against other Virgin Islanders who were selling the country out.

I feel that we have become complacent and accepting of poor behavior for too long in the Virgin Islands. We have landlords 'stealing' their tenants deposits. We have resorts, supermarkets and other entities that are mistreating their staff by ignoring every labor law of the territory. We have many social issues that are affecting our young people. If no one wants to speak out then what is going to happen?

For those people on jobs who are suffering, in a lot of cases there is no one to reach to because the authorities are all in the same club with the managers. In entities where there is a human resources manager, is this person caring or is this person a purveyor of misery and trouble for the employees?

If we choose to speak out, we may be labeled, hated or ostracized, but it is a leap that someone has to take. Speaking out or taking action does not mean 'going postal" but it may be in the positive actions you take. I went to a workshop where a video was shown and a new employee who came with a positive attitude was able to spread his positivity to the other employees.

If necessary, putting thoughts in writing can be a step to encouraging change. I always prefer, even if I am upset, to write with positivity. Rather than throwing hurtful words, seeking a positive resolution. When we are angry, we take actions that are not always the best choices.

We cry for change and are willing to risk 'life and limb'. We have to choice our path to figurative 'war' wisely. Sometimes, saying 'thank you' is just enough. You will never be able to change people - not just like that. You will hope that their actions improve but in many cases unless they get that 'come-up-ance' they will be stuck in that mire. The one thing they will walk away with is not to mess with you anymore.

If you want to change to happen, evaluate, choose your method and fight with a positive mind for a healthy outcome. Sometimes, there won't be a win-win situation but if change is needed, we have to speak up for it.

ribbon

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POEM: Rainbow