Hi Friend
I love the weather people in Oklahoma! We have recently had snow and ice and are now on the verge of a big snow storm with record-setting cold temperatures. (-17 degrees below zero with the wind chill at -30). I don’t typically watch the news. With the storms coming however, I thought I better tune in and see what’s up. A lot!
Growing up in Ohio we had snow every winter and it stayed on the ground for weeks and weeks. Granted I didn’t watch the news then either, but I’m fairly certain the weather people were like “It’s going to snow more.” And that was it. Oklahoma meteorologist generate the best phrases and speak of them as if everyone has always known about them.
They do it during our tornado season too. I literally learn at least one new word every year because of how they describe what’s going on. It’s delightful and ridiculous. For this upcoming storm there was both the “Pineapple Express” and “Siberian Air”. Of course, I have no idea what either of those mean, but Mike Morgan speaks of them as if everyone knows exactly what he’s talking about. It’s silly.
Oh, it’s also life or death. The weather folks must be secretly sponsored by the local grocery stores. They’ve all been wiped out of everything for a 3 day snow storm that will all be gone by next Saturday. But people are hunkering down as if they’ll be stuck in their homes for weeks or possibly months.
Fear compels irrationality!
Granted the hyperbole comes with sincerity. Tornados, black ice and frigid temps can cause real harm. It takes a lot for people to alter their behavior, so being extreme in their communication is, I suspect, their genuine effort to get people to take notice and heed their warnings.
I was having a conversation this week about trust. This individuals’ perspective was that it’s an all-or-nothing exchange. You have it or you don’t. When it’s lost, it’s lost entirely. I on the other hand find it to be a sliding scale. You can trust someone “less” or “more” and it can change incrementally. Where do you land on this idea?
Of course, I think the weather people give us plenty of opportunity to flex our trust muscle. Like ours, I suspect yours has been wildly wrong in the past. Yet we still listen to them and believe them, mostly. With all the amazing technology that exists in weather forecasting these days, it’s startling how badly they miss it sometimes.
Trust Qualifiers
Motive. Why someone is doing or saying something, matters.
Accuracy. Getting it right most of the time is necessary.
Consistency. Bringing our same self daily is significant.
Sincerity. Believing it themselves makes all the difference.
Our human nature is much more advanced than any doppler radar system. Like the weather something else can change that alters expected behavior. Extending understanding and grace is required.
It’s a curious demonstration of self-mastery to do such a thing. I mean, have you truly extended merciful compassion to someone who regularly doesn’t do what they say? What’s your limit? Like how many times will you be generous until you won’t?
More importantly if we understand, then is it even an expression of goodwill or grace? Or is it more an acceptance of how someone is or the scenario they find themselves? Probably why empathy continues to be all the rage. When we understand the weather persons reliance on several uncontrollable factors, we’re much more likely to not hold them to the highest standard of honest accuracy or consistency. Can we do that with other humans too?
Instigating Ideas
1. Why wouldn’t someone trust you?
2. Whether you’re an all-or-nothing person or a sliding-scale, swap out this week when dealing with people and see if it makes a difference.
3. If there’s someone who regularly puts you out, consider if there is something you still could try to understand.
4. Which of the four trust qualifiers do you need to grow in most?
5. Who would benefit from you being more willing to offer grace?
Punxsutawney Phil nailed it this year! Winter is raging on. As is our need for understanding and grace; both giving and receiving. Like the weather our lives can be predictable until the unforeseen occurs. Hopefully when the pineapple express meets the siberian air in your world, you are well equipped to sustain the fruity blast! Or at least have some friends and family who will go to the store for you. 😁