In the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner asks James Earl Jones, "so what do you want?" Jones (as Terence Mann) replies, "I want them to stop looking to me for answers, begging me to speak again, write again, be a leader. I want them to start thinking for themselves. I want my privacy." Costner points to the concession stand and says, "No, I mean WHAT do you want?"
The day-to-day dialogue here recalls this conversation, in "Groundhog Day"- like fashion, repetitively.
I'm opposed to this, to that, and the other thing. "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore." So what do you want?
You work for ACME Industries, building rocket-propelled skates. Business is off (globalization?) and the company is losing money, with a real possibility of bankruptcy. The CEO offers an across-the-board pay cut including herself of 10 percent, or to lay off fifteen percent of workers. Is your world black-and-white, all-or-nothing? Do you take a pay cut (wealth redistribution) or do you (or your neighbor) get fired? So what do you want?
You're a loyal American, struggling to pay your bills, educate your children, and meet your needs. You didn't vote for more money for (fill-in-the-blank, let's say education), but you're worried about your property values. So what do you want?
When we disagree with a policy, do we get the facts, research the alternatives, propose compromise and solutions, or demonize our neighbors, launch ad hominem attacks, and sling labels around?
The thought leader David Frum in a 'departure' message said,
"I’m not so worried that the oligarchs will pay for apologetics on their behalf. That’s politics as usual. I’m more concerned that so many people will identify themselves with the interests of oligarchy without being paid, without even being conscious that this is what they are doing."
Mr. Dittmer is quite right to ask what's on the menu before getting his order. But generally speaking, we need to ask intelligent questions and evaluate the impact of policies before their implementation. Successful organizations prosper with a backdrop of well-designed and well-executed process. They work from performance-focused, feedback-rich environments, with an understanding of both figurative and literal needs. They also consider how decisions affect their "neighbors". So what do you want?
