If: 1.a. In the event that: b. Granting that: c. On the condition that. 2. Although possibly, even though. 3. Whether. 4. Used to introduce an exclamatory clause, indicating a wish.
~The American Heritage College Dictionary; Third Edition
One of the most fascinating things about politics is the attempt to make a universal sell on change. For as long as I can remember, every person needing my vote has articulated why the governmental body, system, or agency they were inheriting was broken. Should you accept their opinion as fact, for the last 30 years you would swear that no citizen has ever had a job or health insurance, the educational system has always been a complete disaster, the water has always been polluted, we have always been over taxed, and societal ills were not just a symptom but an incurable disease. Ask a person in the process of leaving office why they couldn't deliver on their promises and they inevitably start with the word 'if'. They say things like, '..If my opponents had only supported more of what I was trying to do..', or '…If I had been given more access to resources..', blah blah blah. Why can't we just deliver on a goal and eliminate the excuse of conditions, possibilities, or wishes? What would be wrong with stating, "…When I am elected, I will spend the first six months trying to understand what has gone wrong with the promises made x years ago. I will then spend the next 6 months offering a measurable and transparent solution for what it will take to fix it.". I'm not sure in today's society that we accept just anyone's word as truth without having had the opportunity to observe their behavior. Politicians aren't the only one's I challenge with this idea. I hold you as everyday leaders to this same standard. Why does delivering on a goal have to be such a painful experience? When you are charged with educating someone, simply deliver on that goal and educate. When you are charged with delivering a quality product then do it! The word 'if' in our vocabulary was like kryptonite to Superman. Avoid the word, or the temptation to use the word, and you avoid the failure to deliver.
My challenge to you this week is to try to go an entire week without using the word if. Speak very matter of factly about what you can deliver without stipulations or 'if's'. This week I am committed to being on time for every meeting on my calendar. What are you willing to commit to that we can hold you accountable? I suppose you can keep using the word 'if' in your vocabulary this week to continue to be comfortable. Please then understand that as a client, customer, student, patient, or someone that relies your service, I may not be interested in growing our relationship. After all, I can only commit to you when you decide to commit to me.
Alonzo Kelly
President
Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
