The Power of We

During the recent inauguration, I heard the term his-story substituted for history, which of course, was about to change. I never thought about that before, but it struck me as an accurate description of the past.

I’ve spent years tracing our family’s genealogy. The easiest way to do that is to go straight back along the patriarchal line. Doing this, I was able to trace my grandfathers back to a 1635 arrival in the “new world.” That was cool! 

Having a daughter who just delivered our first granddaughter highlights this is only half of the story. 

Tracing the matriarchal line was more challenging as branches of the family tree spread out quickly. I stuck with it and ultimately found that I share a distant grandmother with Ulysses S Grant. I also discovered four grandmothers whose husbands fought in the Revolutionary War. It got even more interesting! My 9th great-grandmother arrived on the Mayflower at age 14!  

In my family, her-story is way more interesting than his-tory! 

His-story plus her-story equals our story! Together they sum to the power of we! 

“We” is a mightly word. Imagine what could happen if it were allowed to grow!

During my long business career, I noticed that leadership improves when it comprises differing thoughts, experiences, and backgrounds. The opposite is also true. Birds of a feather like to roost together. Unfortunately, when that happens, there is usually a mess to clean up. 

My former employer emphasized leadership diversity. The belief was leadership should mirror customer demographics. This strategy improved business decisions.  

America faces significant challenges; health, economy, infrastructure, and environment, to name a few. Decisions are easier when leadership shares common backgrounds and viewpoints. But we are not all cut from the same cloth. America is a patchwork quilt. Experience, culture, and views differ.

Differences, of course, can be divisive. We see that now. Yet, in nature, no two trees, flowers, or birds are the same. In nature, diversity is a strength.  

I cast a broad net for the information I consume. “The power of we” is not a popular theme. Media is in business to make money. Divisiveness captures eyeballs. I am beginning to re-think the value of consuming this toxic stew. 

On a recent sub-zero walk, I noticed that our maple tree has buds. I broke one off, and it was attached to a pliable green stem. It gave me hope.  

I am optimistic about our nation’s future. Progress is always messy. Beliefs often differ. Yet, as divisive as things seem today, our differences have always been a strength. Somehow, I believe that will continue to hold true.  

Our future lies in the power of we! 

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