Although we work in a world where the demands made on us are often unrealistic, we must resist the temptation to use organizational realities as an excuse for failing to provide quality services. We must approach challenges creatively, identifying and removing barriers to quality services, rather than accepting problems and frustration as the norm. With clients as well as with colleagues, it is essential to have the expectation that, through collaborative efforts, situations can be managed and problems can be solved. Recognizing the characteristics of different personal styles and different learning styles helps us to see more sharply the strengths and limits of our mental models. When we affirm the reality of multiple mental models we open the way to draw on the resources of this variety to engage in productive advocacy and inquiry.
Tension is natural.
We work in a world of tension, in which we are constantly faced by multiple demands from different interest groups both within our organization and within the larger community. This focus on interactions and on dynamics creates a climate for action that emphasizes causes rather than symptoms. When we take a systems view and when we recognize that tension is a catalyst for positive change, we can lay the groundwork for high quality problem solving. Teamwork means aligning ourselves with others who have different responsibilities and, perhaps, different priorities. When we collaborate, we consolidate the energies of individuals who, in diverse ways, share and work toward the same goals.