Controversy

[Team Black-Cat]

Candidates,
During your term on the WGA Board of Directors, there will be topics brought up, both online and in person, that are very controversial among geocachers. Sometimes there is no middle ground and you will most likely have an opinion one way or the other.

Without referring to any existing controversial topics, please answer the following two questions.

How will you respond when someone has an opinion that is the polar opposite of yours?

And…

Your opinion might go against the official opinion or decision of the BOD. How would you react in that situation?

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

Thank you for these questions Brian, I had hoped they would be asked, as this topic in general, is something I feel strongly about.

I believe we all run into both of these situations in every day life, and I’m sure I will react in the same manor when either of these situations arise.

First, if given the opportunity to serve the members of the WGA, I’m sure I will be approached as any board member would, with varying thoughts and opinions from the members, of which I will still be one. I am also quite sure, I will not always see eye to eye with each individuals opinion, that is what makes it their opinion. My duty would be to listen to their opinion or concern, whether I agree with it or not. Present them with options, and communicate that opinion to the board if necessary. Board members are held to a higher standard in my opinion, and need to present themselves well while representing the WGA.

Question two is also something we all deal with in everyday life. If my opinion varies from the boards, so be it. This happens all the time, and that is why there is a board, to make decisions as a team, and for the whole, not the one. If my opinion were not adopted, Id deal with it and move on. That is not to say I wouldn’t put up a good fight before letting myself be outvoted. 😉

[Northwoods Tom]

The phrase that always pops up in my mind when I hear a comment like this is: “Agree to disagree”.

Anyone who takes a specific stance that may be contrary to mine, I would be interested in knowing the “why” behind that stance. You have to understand their thinking behind a position, decision, stance, etc. “See it from their eyes”. And I know and believe they would do the same.

The board is there to make those tough decisions. There are going to be split decisions. We also need to remember that we represent a membership and we might need to adjust our personal opinion to serve them.

The world would be pretty dull if we all had the same opinion…

[The Crippler]

As I have mentioned before, I am a firm believer that you play the game as you see fit and have heard and seen many cachers do things that I am not necessarily in agreement with. That is just fine by me. If approached with a contrary view or opinion my job as a member of the BOD would be to listen and offer advice, if asked.

I have also mentioned in a previous thread that it really does not matter what my preconceived notions are because I would have been elected to represent members in the WGA whose opinion may vary significantly from mine. If enough members contact me asking me to consider something that I do not necessarily agree with I feel it is my duty to represent the majority, case closed.

Certainly there are a few issues that my opinion is the polar opposite of the current official WGA stance or policy. I take issue with some of the laws and policies of those I have voted into public office. What I am saying is that my stance or opinion might actually be wrong, and I am willing to accept that and also willing to accept the notion that majority rules. I do agree with something TyeDyeSkyGuy mentioned and that I too would go down pressing my point but would also understand defeat.

[Barry Butrymowicz]

How will you respond when someone has an opinion that is the polar opposite of yours?

Good question Brian,

If elected to the BOD, as a board member, I would listen to all Ideas and opinions that different members have, even if they were the opposite of mine, every idea or opinion has merit, and needs to be listened to, and if worthwhile brought back to the entire board.

And…

Your opinion might go against the official opinion or decision of the BOD. How would you react in that situation?

Again, if elected, personal opinions would have to be put aside and would have to uphold the WGA opinions and decisions

[Averith]

@Team Black-Cat wrote:

Candidates,
During your term on the WGA Board of Directors, there will be topics brought up, both online and in person, that are very controversial among geocachers. Sometimes there is no middle ground and you will most likely have an opinion one way or the other.

Without referring to any existing controversial topics, please answer the following two questions.

How will you respond when someone has an opinion that is the polar opposite of yours?

Not everyone is going to see things the same way that I do, if they did life would be pretty boring. I will listen to the other person’s opinion respectfully and though I may not agree with them I can hopefully learn something from the exchange of ideas.

@Team Black-Cat wrote:

And…

Your opinion might go against the official opinion or decision of the BOD. How would you react in that situation?

Ultimately majority rules, and I will respect the decisions of my fellow board members even when decisions don’t go the way I would like them to.

[Scrappy Scout]

Great question

****How will you respond when someone has an opinion that is the polar opposite of yours?****

They way I would respond would be is first listen to them and actually listen don’t listen with one ear. I would then give them if we are in appropriate area my views and listen to why they don’t agree who knows they might change my mind and offer something I didn’t know or think about. This has happened before where I thought one thing and then listen to the other side and then made an informative opinion. The biggest thing is to listen to them all members of the WGA and make a decision.

****Your opinion might go against the official opinion or decision of the BOD. How would you react in that situation?****

I would have to go with the majority. If that is the way the BOD goes that is the way they went and I would go with it. And if I was approached and asked why it went that way I would give an informative reason why the board went the way they did. I don’t think it would be right to back talk the other board members because they went against me.

Scout

[zuma]

Thanks for the question Brian.

Some folks have posted the errant belief in the forums that Board members should not express their point of view. Some expect Board members to remain silent on any potential controversial subject. That is a belief that does not mesh with my personal experience. Being a part of the WGA’s Board of Directors does not mean, and should not mean, that Board members can never express their opinion.

I do think that it is best to treat people with different views with respect, and try to listen carefully and understand why they think their position has merit. Often, the more you listen to the other person’s point of view, the more likely you are to learn something, sometimes even learn enough to change your opinion.

Whether I am reelected to the Board or not, I expect that I will continue to share my opinion with any who may be interested. I also expect that I will continue to be interested in hearing the views of people who do not have the same viewpoint as I do, and participating in a mutual exchange of ideas, leading to growth and increased knowledge. It is hard to learn anything if you only talk to people who agree with you. I find it far more profitable and educational to talk to people who dont agree with me.

zuma

[AuntieNae]

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