Your Presence is Worth Something least you know it

Why your opinion matters

Your presence is worth something least you know it.

I will try and convince you, over the next few paragraphs, that your opinion is not only important, but vital for a progressive society.

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I have come across many people, myself included, who sometimes wonder whether their presence was felt or if their ideas had been heard.

We have all been in that position where we crave to be heard amongst a room full of ideas and voices, to be acknowledged, to render some pride in that you, yes you, are worth something. Valuable. Someone who contributes to the discussion and those around them and will continue to do so.

Take the presence felt when someone with clear authority walks through the door. It is well noted. That steering voice, direction and leadership, you can’t help but wonder how they do it. How they react to different life scenarios and come out on-top.

If you, for a moment, focus on how different people react to the same life scenarios it is quite telling.

Although one can argue that if someone threw say a water-balloon at you, and you did not know the person, you are perhaps in your right to react. Scream. Shout. Even assault the person who threw the balloon. If you measured the reactions of different people to the same received action; in this case lets say the water balloon, some would take it in their stride and others would want to harm as they have been harmed. Almost all would base their actions or reactions on the fact that they were driven by feelings of anger.

You could say it is but emotion that drives how we react to our environment and that acting on emotion is very different for different people. The question is why do some of us react differently to this scenario than others, is it just the raw emotion that takes over that we are reacting on? Based on that fallacy we each display different levels of ‘emotion’ to different scenarios. Slightly absurd. If not that then consider this; is emotion simply an excuse for us to enact our inhumane behaviours?

You could argue some have a stronger hold on their emotions, and I would perhaps agree that this is the case. For instance, I can tell now which patients react more to simple aggravation than others by the manner in which they answer questions, respond or even react to clinical measures such as taking blood. I would argue here that it is not simply emotion that dictates how people react to their external stimuli, there is something else. Neuro- physicians could elaborate better here but the Teleology philosophy view is interesting to examine. Modern teleology follows the thought that we enact our actions and use our emotions as excuses for our innate behaviours. That is very simplified and I would insist you read into it, perhaps better than I have.

I digress.

Simply put, you are unique in the way you react to your external stimuli and have a viewpoint no one else does.

Be it simplified but you can and should share that viewpoint to benefit yourself and others, if you don’t you are perhaps being greedy. I put forward a different take to the teleology theory, I suggest that although our ability to put forward our ideas hinders on our sociological factors; environment, upbringing and character, our unique viewpoints provide unique ideas as long as we can/are willing to share them.

We all should be given the opportunity to share our ideas on the terms that we require. This, of course, isn’t always the case. Society isnt that kind. As such it is important that we are adaptable, able to compromise on our sociological factors that underpin our confidence to share ideas and head forth into the abyss, to develop the courage to relay our thoughts and ideas to our audience.

Look at this as more of an obligation. You may not want to but needs must for a progressive society.

You may think its stupid. Usually those screaming their ideas in a group are the more confident, but perhaps over compensate with a lack of unique viewpoints. Picture the meetings where the loud, obnoxious, overly confident, usually male takes centre stage to belch out his ideas. Drowning out all those around him, providing nothing but repetitive viewpoints. These ideas are perhaps unique, granted, but overpowering all others will not allow further progressive talks and new found ideas from those who are yet to speak. He may be viewed as confident and bold with good ideas, but limiting more ideas will ultimately limit progress. I argue here that this presence felt when someone with authority walks through the room as mentioned earlier has its limiting factors.

It might be better suited that he uses his time to mention his idea and encourage those around to also commit their views.

In the medical field, although we have the seniority, years of adapting and addressing this make up has lead to a much improved egalitarian model where nurses, junior doctors, health care assistants can and ideally should contribute their part to patient care.

Principles by Ray Dalio is a prime example. In my opinion it argues for patriarchy and its relevance for success. I paused on the part written ‘Conversations that do not reach conclusions are a waste of time.’ By the contrary, these conversations can spark far more progressive ideas than those with abrupt conclusions. It is perhaps this mindset of the assertive figure and dominance in the room that has created a slowly moving society. Although I was at odds with some of the values he depicts, I do value Ray Dalio’s book. I must say it is worth a read.

Your part. Can and Should.

That’s the answer.

Everyone has their own unique role to play. The more we allow this to happen, the better we are all for it. You can and should play your part.

Next time you think best to not share a thought/idea amongst a group, take a deep breath and please, do share. The world needs to hear your opinion, least we want the same loud mouth running the show.

Just take a look around various companies, board directors or even, as I call it, infamous celebrities and you’ll find yourself wondering if anyone had ever challenged their views. Even more so now with the various social media posts by celebrities in the ‘Fight to be Relevant’ era of COVID19.

So, if I havent bored you enough to reach this part of this story, I want to end with a simple request.

Go show the world why your presence is not only important but vital and, while you’re at it, please encourage others to do the same. The more voices heard, I believe, the better the world will be for it.

Thanks for reading this long thought. As always I would value your opinions.

I would love to hear other people’s viewpoints. Please do share with colleagues, friends or family if you enjoyed reading :). I am happy to connect. @sharafwrites twitter and consider subscribing to my substack https://sharaf.substack.com/subscribe