The Unit Is More Important
Read the story first: The Unit Is More Important.
Nugget of Wisdom
Everyone has feelings and emotions. When making decisions, consider not just your own, but the other’s feelings and emotions.
SOP
By now you understand what we’re going to do. We’re going to share stories in the class, and we’re going to break into our individual spots and talk to each other. But this time, I felt like I needed to add another story. Read it and consider it before you begin your assignment, both in the group discussion and in your time together.
As I wrote this book and workbook, I realized there were hundreds of stories I could have included, but I want to share this one briefly. My wife was demoted. I understood why, and I believed it was the right decision for the unit, but it crushed her. My mistake was thinking she needed logic to ease the pain. She didn’t—she needed me.
I see it now. My personality was built on discipline and structure, and I defaulted to logic over emotion. Writing this book has helped me understand that. It is easy to see how different personalities handle the same moment differently. The question is not always just right or wrong—sometimes the question is, is emotion more important than being right?
- When making a decision, how often do you truly consider the feelings and emotions of others involved?
- How important are your own feelings in comparison to the feelings of your relationship or family?
- Can you recall a time when you had to choose between what was best for you versus what was best for others? How did you handle it?
- Is it possible to make the right decision while still honoring the emotions of those affected? Why or why not?
- How can you teach your children, or others you influence, to make strong decisions while still recognizing and respecting the feelings of others?
Closing Prayer (optional guide)
Father, guide us. Let us always consider the facts, the decision, and the emotions and feelings that it will affect.