by: Nancy K. Eberhardt
Have you ever left a conversation wondering what just happened?
Long ago, I was talking with an economics expert who was about to speak at our Chamber of Commerce luncheon. I asked him specifically to address “the shrinking middle class.” His reply: “The middle class is not shrinking.” Period, no explanation.
First, I was embarrassed – how was I so wrong? Next, I reprimanded myself to research better before sitting next to these experts. In that moment, it didn’t occur to me to ask for clarity or facts to support his statement.
Perhaps he truly believed it. Or perhaps he was hoping I would push him on it so he could educate me. Or perhaps he assumed I wouldn’t push him and he could say anything and it would be accepted.
Where was my vulnerability, curiosity, and courage to have a meaningful, clarifying conversation?
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