Adding Value to the Conversation

There is a global conversation happening all around us. The birth and popularity of social media have increased the number of people contributing to the conversation. In many ways, this is a good thing. When coupled with the freedom of speech, the conversation is no longer controlled by the rich, powerful, and well connected. With that power though, I often wonder if we are adding value to the conversation. 

In graduate school, it was hard to not succumb to the temptation of raising my hand every time a question for discussion was proposed. With participation points acting as the devil on my right shoulder, I developed a filter: Does what I have to say add value to the conversation? If it did, I raised my hand. If it didn't, I worked to stay actively engaged in the conversation. 

I am now beyond graduate school, yet this filter stays with me. Why? Clutter, that's why. When I was an undergraduate fraternity member, Daniel Stockton and I were having a conversation about leadership. I left him with a parting thought; "Your actions should demonstrate you're a person worth listening to." If we want to add value to the global conversation, we must do more than speak. We must also go about the business of doing. 

So, I've applied these rules to my life. Not every thought that comes to my mind is worth sharing, posting, or tweeting. This filter helped me realize that. I still fail. I say silly things, post pointless things on social media, and write blog posts unworthy of reading. I would also like to think I am a person worth listening to and when I do share I am adding value to the conversation. 

Thanks for entering my world, 

-Nathan