Stewardship Chapter 14
Cynics, Victims, and Bystanders

Our instinctive response to resistance is to argue.

The Power of the Cynic

To deal with cynics we must have an understanding of their source of power.  The power of the cynics' position is twofold:

• There is truth in what they say
• They speak for each of us

Cynics lack  faith and what they seek is a promise.  We cannot promise a safe future and we cannot promise that the reform we are proposing will satisfy any one person or unit.

Rescuing the Victim

Patriarchy breeds helplessness and victims are the product of the governance systems we live in.

Victims do not want to take responsibility.

Victims do not want a change in the governance system, they just want a change in who governs.

Bystanders enter the game by withholding commitment.  Commitment is a personal investment or consignment in the face of an uncertain outcome.

Treating Caution as a Choice

Creating stewardship means we need to find a way to evoke faith and responsibility and commitment in those around us and at a minimum to keep the cynics, victims, and bystanders from controlling the emotional environment and undermining our efforts.

In place of persuasion and barter, we need to believe that faith, responsibility, and commitment are a matter of personal choice.

In attempting to neutralize the power of cynics:

1. Acknowledge the other's position.
2. State the choice for faith and commitment in the face of our own reservations.
3. Invite the same choice from the other person.

Remember, all you want from our boss is tolerance or indifference.  You don not require sponsorship, commitment, or even deep interest.

We want to be a pilot effort.

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Block P.  Stewardship:  Choosing service over self interest.