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This blog looks at how families express themselves and provides practical suggestions for improving communication.  Of course, "effective" and "improving" are value-laden terms, so while you may not agree with each of my suggestions, I do hope you'll keep stopping by to find the nuggets that work for you and those you love.  As you find ideas of value, please share this page with others.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Good Intentions Aren’t Good Enough

This past weekend we had 14 people staying in our home – a family reunion of sorts.  My sister and I each provide Myers-Briggs Type Indicator training to organizations and often get into discussions about personality type and its implications.  Since we are somewhat different in our types we bring contrasting perspectives to those conversations.

She pointed out that for many people intentions are real and feel as though they should count for something.  I pointed out that for many people intentions are indications of what may become real but are valueless if they don’t translate into actual behavior and results.

You may have seen the story about the 80-year-old woman in Spain who intended to restore a fresco of Jesus in her church.  Here is the before and after.  I take this as definitive proof that good intentions aren’t good enough.

APTOPIX_Spain_Botched_Restoration-00157

Think about this as a conversation starter with your children – helping them to consider whether they think intentions should count for something or whether they are focused on results alone. You may learn something about your children’s wiring and how it relates to / differs from your own.  You may also want to sign them up for art classes.

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