My wife and I recently learned a principle that we are using in our marriage.
When one of us has an idea that may be a bit wacky or present some real challenges for the other, we simply say these words:
Please listen to this idea and love it for 30 seconds.
It sounds so simple, but it builds a certain level of trust and respect that you have to have when you share an idea that may too easily and quickly be shot down.
Today, the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing released a 150-page report that is powerful, thorough, thoughtful, and, you guessed it imperfect—just like your best ideas. Don't shoot it down before giving it a chance.
I know and deeply respect many of the men and women who are on this task force. They are some the most skilled, compassionate, leaders, scholars, and public servants in our nation. It's not perfect, but it's strong.
Here's my only request to you: Listen to it and love it for 30 seconds.
I don't want to prejudice what you think about the report, so I won't talk about the content other than to say this: It's very well-written, skillfully organized, and focused on concrete, measurable action steps. If followed, our world would be a better, safer place for all.
Go to the report here on the official link or view it in the embedded file below.
What do you think? What are your favorite parts? What does it do well? What's missing for you?
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