Labeled again


Reader if things are feeling a bit toxic right now, this is for you.

One of the most influential people in shaping my practice as an Organizational Development expert is Peter Block and this week I want to share his words on one of the most transformative choices you can make—inviting dissent.

In a compliance-driven, empire, and colonial culture, saying no is considered a problem to be solved. Here are Peter's words on why it should be considered a superpower.

It was a radical thought for me that disobedience could be useful. I knew it was satisfying, but it created labels: “counter dependence,” “issues with authority,” “not on board,” or “not a team player.” In a compliance-driven, empire, and colonial culture, saying no is considered a problem to be solved.
The option is to consider disobedience, or what can be called dissent, a pathway to belonging and creating a more powerful way of being together.
When we say no, put our doubts into words, are willing to be disobedient, and accept that we are not here to meet the expectations of others, a quality of aliveness is present.
When we invite the disobedience and dissent of others, especially about what we are up to, we can listen without needing to react, answer, explain. No response, other than understanding, is required. We can also take the dissent of others as an invitation for expressing our own disobedience or dissent.
This quote also opens us to the idea that saying “No” is the beginning of a conversation, not an exit strategy. And that if we cannot say “No,” our “Yes” has no meaning.

Reader I hope that you are as inspired by Peter's words as I am.

True freedom and alliance can only happen when you have confidence that you've explored fully.

Here are some questions to help you get started:

  • What are three reasons this won't work?
  • What counter arguments should we consider?
  • What are you not ready to say yes to?
  • What gives you pause?

If you are ready to level up your leadership, give yourself and the people around you more permission to express doubt and voice the no.

PS - Welcome Tennessee SHRM friends

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Catch Up on 'the story i'm telling myself' podcast

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Episode 1 with Karen Laos: Are You Enough? Finding your inner power

Episode 2 with Gail Kraft: Is Your Fear of Abandonment Running the Show?

Episode 3 with Sandra Adeyeye Bello: Am I Worth It? A question too many are afraid to answer

Episode 4 with Leslie Minchin: Are You Busy or Just Avoiding Your Life?

Episode 5 with Srivatsan Aravamudan: Broken, Dirty, Not Enough? The journey to self-acceptance

Episode 6 with Vivian Blade: How Do I Say "I Lost My Job?"

Episode 7 with Angie Redmon: Who Am I Letting Down? The hidden cost

Episode 8 with Debbie Potts: I Refuse to Settle: Rewriting my story after a life-changing diagnosis

Episode 9 with Tandra Price: Can I Do That? Unleashing your inner power

Episode 10 with Ronda Berns: Am I the Prey? Overcoming fear and mastering sales

Episode 11 with Carmen Alvarez: Can Joy and Grief Really Co-exist?

Episode 12 with Melissa Robinson Hussain: Who Do You Want to Be? Coaching Yourself to Radical Transformation

Episode 13 with Tiersa Hall: Is This Risk Too Big—Or Just the One You Need to Take?

Episode 14 with Gary Spencer: Why You Should Pause Before Your Next Big Move (A Million-Dollar Lesson)

Episode 15 with Susan LePLae Miller: Did I Abandon Myself Again?

Episode 16 with Sharon Summerfield: I'm being undermined, now what?

Episode 17 with Misha Safran: Am I Just a Wilting Flower?

Episode 18 with Elisa Juarez: If Not Me, Who?

Episode 19 with Leanne Elliott: What's Really Stopping You From Asking For Help?

Episode 20 with Susan Collins: Will I Be As Good?

Episode 21 with Tracy Borreson: From Leavable To Limitless

Episode 22 with Kelly Charles-Collins: What If You Stopped Leaving Yourself Behind?

Episode 23 with Karen Taylor: Am I to Blame?

Episode 24 with Sabrina Victoria: Go Big or Go Bigger?

Episode 25 with Olivia Fitchett: From Anxiety to the White House

The Story I’m Telling Myself is for anyone who wants to overcome the limitations of self-doubt and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Through candid conversations, you'll discover:

  • The hidden costs of listening to your inner critic: How fear and doubt sabotage your confidence, happiness, and success.
  • Transformational strategies for silencing the negative voice: Learn how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and step into your true potential.
  • The power of a mindset shift: Discover how changing your internal dialogue can lead to extraordinary results.

Real-life stories of courage and resilience: Gain inspiration from everyday people who overcame their negative self-talk to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music.

Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.

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