Page 41 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

very real deficit in our personal and professional miss learning how to see each other. We miss or that we may be found wanting, or that we
lives. Failing to try is nothing less than an insult exploring what makes each of us human, may bear some blame, or that we may need to
to our human potential and a barrier to others’ special, interesting, funny, smart. In other words, re-visit our opinions, or worse yet, that we may
potential. We miss out on shared experiences we miss the transforming power of a relationship. be unwilling to face the truth and change. We
that help us relate to another human being in That centuries old social compact that inspires won’t really know unless we try.
a very personal way. We miss out on common people to see past their own self and into the
ground that can transcend differences, draw us world. And that relationship always begins with So, in the face of today’s human condition
closer or help us solve problems. We miss out on respect and trust. demanding that we learn more about ourselves
unique experiences that give us a glimpse into and find better ways to relate to one another
the daily lives of our co-workers, neighbors and Once we respect and trust one another, there and live together, we need to take the first step
friends – glimpses that can inform us. We miss is nothing we cannot talk about, discuss, toward starting over. We need to bear witness to
out on learning ‘new languages’ that may bring debate and yes, resolve. This is how we move the past, look at people and situations through
us joy, make us laugh or cry – ‘new languages’ beyond the discomfort. This is how we make a clear lens rather than a clouded one and
that connect us in simple but powerful ways. the uncomfortable conversation possible. This is surrender fear to curiosity. We need to give each
how we learn from each other and learn to know other permission to have that ‘uncomfortable
When we find the conversation too uncomfortable, each other. This is how we begin – by admitting conversation’ now.
we miss finding the keys to starting over. We that we are afraid of not having the answers,

LINDA H. DIMARIO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Over her career, DiMario has served as CEO or in senior management positions of five economic
development organizations in California, Arizona, Texas and Washington, owned an economic
development consulting company working with over 100 towns, cities and organizations across the
US and is currently working on a variety of economic development projects. She is a graduate of
Central Washington State University with a degree in political science and a US Air Force veteran.

lindadimario@verizon.net 949-422-7723

CEOS KNOW YOUR PURPOSE 41. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
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