​A New Year: Assume Good Intent

Welcome back! I hope you had time to recharge over the holiday week. We sure did! Because I got sick, I spent a lot of time lying on the couch watching movies. My favorite kind of movie is one with a redemptive message. Somewhere along the line, the hero/heroine grows. For example, Ironman is my guy because I enjoy the redemptive story line… and then, of course, he ultimately saves the world. No matter the story, the thread of redemption appeals to me because such a journey requires that we check that our actions are aligned with our thoughts/values.

I had a “man in the mirror” moment after a particularly good episode of Suits. I was reacting to Harvey’s opponent, and judging. Hard. I wound up chuckling at myself over my reaction, but I later reflected on two things:

1. How important it is to “respond” rather than “react.”
2. How we need to assume good intent.
 
And that certainly applies to us as we look toward our work ahead this year, building bridges to advance regional priorities. Our job at the Chamber is defined by service. And our specific lane is in the advocacy, promotion, and advancement of an inclusive economic advancement. The guidance above helps me get my own attitude straight when the work requires that we “wrestle.” Here's to a year of responding thoughtfully in the face of challenge and assuming good intent!

See you in the trenches,

​B