September 28, 2020

BOSLadies,

I've been thinking a lot about dissent since Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing. One of BOSLady's biggest strengths, in my opinion, is that we are a safe space in which to challenge one another. I recently had a conversation with someone who often finds themselves disagreeing with viewpoints or ideas shared in this letter. We talked specifics and, knowing this person well, I absolutely understood why they disagreed where they did. Knowing a bit more about the sources of these viewpoints made this person reconsider their validity.

In such a polarized present, the value of discussions like these are paramount. When someone disagrees with you, it's easy to ignore or dismiss it. The hard thing is to engage, to understand where the opposing belief comes from. It can be unpleasant, it can be uncomfortable. Why do you believe what you do? Help me understand it. The challenge helps us evolve and to refine. It's worth the trouble.

If you haven't read this month's book The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, the hardcover is about half off on Amazon right now (although part of me doesn't think I should promote Amazon and should suggest local book stores instead).

The Weekly Three

1. Something about disagreement and debate: Do you remember reading Radical Candor? Kim Scott shared this about Steve Jobs: "Steve would later say that when a team debated, both the ideas and the people came out more beautiful - results well worth all the friction and the noise."

2. Something about the career of a female designer in the 60s: Thank you Matt for sharing this piece about a son's discovery of his mother's past life as a lighting designer in 1960s New York

3. Something about “taking the long view”: When we're so bogged down by the present, it's helpful to remind ourselves where we're going. Thank you Alexandra for sending me this interview with Mary Burnham and for the change of perspective

Thank you for reading, Amber