Facts are Stubborn Things

I place a great deal of importance on one word; credibility.  Because when you think about it, almost everything we do in our business, educational and personal lives revolve around seeking and attaining interpersonal credibility.  Credibility is important to people, whether they are choosing a physician or choosing a spouse.  And it is essential for positive change, from the negotiating table to the supper table; from the board room to the classroom! I believe credibility is the equilibrium in all human relationships.

John Adams hit upon the foundation of credibility when he said; “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence”. 

In our media-driven society, people attempt to skew facts and evidence.  And sometimes, even when the facts and evidence are clear, interpretations involve our wishes, inclinations and passions.  Either way, the truth can become elusive.  Based on my experience, here is a quick-list of credibility items I’ve learned the hard way;

• Keep digging until the facts and evidence are as clear as possible. There are no short-cuts.
• Once you have a clear view of the facts, accept them as unchangeable reality! In plain language, don’t bullshit yourself.
• Do your best to represent the situation clearly to others without sugar-coat. In plain language, don’t bullshit others.
• Above all, when people who lack credibility try to manipulate you, don’t retaliate in-kind. When you do that, your credibility also becomes suspect and very little can be accomplished. An Eye-for-an-Eye mentality rarely bears fruit!

These may seem simple, yet the difficult part comes not in the idea, but in the action.  Credibility also involves “kaizen”, or continuous improvement.  Like many things in life, it is more about the process than the goal.  It is a process I’m learning through experience.

Facts are indeed stubborn things!

Comments

[laurie fish]

It's a funny thing. Some facts are facts because enough people agree with the data. I worry about accepting a fact as an unchangeable reality. The world was flat for a long time - War is inevitable -

Credibilty is fact building currency for sure. But what a tricky business it all is.

You know when I was reading your entry I could't help but think about CSI. (I know, it's a very silly pass time) but the process focuses on uncovering, testing and relying on evidence - not conjecture. And it is so true - we live in a world where conjecture allows for hype and the facts get lost in the entertainment.