Run or Rise?

​By Robert Megargel

“F.E.A.R. has two meanings: ‘Forget everything and run’ or ‘Face everything and rise.’ The choice is yours.”
The choice really is yours. When faced with conflict, you can run or rise. According to Patrick Lencioni in The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, fear of conflict is the second major dysfunction of most teams. The first is the absence of trust.

If you and your team are going to produce life-changing results, you must build a foundation of trust. Trust takes time but begins without bias.

The quickest way to ensure you’re developing trust is to be honest. Be honest with yourself first. Act with integrity. Follow through on your commitments. Don’t overextend yourself. Utilize your strengths to serve others. Be honest with others. If your team is expecting you to perform flawlessly every single day and doesn’t give you room to fail and grow, it might not be the best place to grow. There is a reason for the seasons. Things were meant to go in cycles and stages. Flowers only have a small window to bloom. You and I are no different. Be who you are but give the best of who you are to others! When you are open and honest, others will appreciate your authenticity and trust you more.

Honesty may create conflict. But the conflict isn’t the problem. The problem for most is how they communicate with their team about the conflict. Dysfunctional teams avoid the real issue, refuse to face it, or sugar coat it. Functional teams are honest and don’t hesitate to offer solutions or be the solution. Dysfunctional teams criticize and complain whereas functional teams synergize and change the outcome of the game.
​
Run or rise? That’s the question. That’s the decision. It starts with you and it starts now. Your attitude will determine your altitude. Choose to rise today, knowing that trust must be built, conflicts will occur, and honesty will be the key to unlocking your potential.
​

​Robert Megargel is a content contributor
for Taylor Leadership Development. He is an
educator who is passionate about helping
people recognize their God-given gifts, as well
as teaching them how to use those gifts to
contribute to society by serving others.
He is also a husband and a father.