The M~Theory blog looks across the landscape of political and social issues and examines how they impact Bellevue, our region and beyond. It's namesake is the theory that unifies the five superstring theories, providing us with answers to our universe's oldest riddles.
There is a certain beauty in working on and solving hard political issues. It is something that I have enjoyed doing – first at the state and federal level and now as a public affairs director at Microsoft and a member of the Boundary Review Board for King County. The beauty begins when you first open your mind and objectively approach the situation. It then continues through the time spent understanding critical elements, exploring potential solutions, soliciting feedback and exchanging ideas. I have found the ability to be open and receptive is what enables people, organizations and governments to perform at the highest level. However, when that open-mindedness begins to narrow, it brings about what I term the culture of “No.”
The culture of “No” is a direct result of experience impeding progress, coloring attitudes and approaches to solutions. It is a byproduct of years of work or engagement on an issue, having institutional knowledge change from one’s core strength into their Achilles heel. Instead of providing benefit, all that experience now creates mental boundaries, prejudices, and thinking guided only by the knowledge of previous decisions and outcomes. The result is a rigid environment that leads to limited discussion, fewer solutions and less-than-desired outcomes. This environment serves as the foundation of the culture of “No” and decisions become predicated on little more than past experience, past achievement and a sense of self.
I see our city’s current political culture showing the telltale signs of becoming the culture of “No.” That is why I chose to run for city council and I pledge to change the environment that exists today. We can prevent this from happening by getting people with new ideas, perspectives and experiences involved in the process. I do not want to see us fall into the trap that others have fallen into. We must prevent the culture of “No” from happening in Bellevue.
mmarchand Michael Marchand has spent more than 20 years working on behalf of governments and government agencies, Fortune 100 corporations and nonprofit organizations in the areas of public affairs, advocacy, policy enagement, regulatory affairs, issues positioning and public relations. He has served in senior-level roles for Microsoft Corporation, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the honorable Gov. Gary Locke and has worked on behalf of clients including MasterCard, American Express, Ernst & Young, Prudential Securities, Lucent Technologies, and both NBC and CBS television networks. Marchand received a bachelor of arts degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., and is a CDC-trained expert in crisis, emergency and risk communications, and is a skilled mediator. He currently resides in Bellevue with his wife, Beth, their three kids and two dogs.
COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in the PNWLocalNews.com community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.
So keep your comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by registering for an account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and drive-by commenters.
As a community site, we ask that the community help by using the "Flag" button on each comment if they feel the comment has violated the rules. You can also use the up and down arrows on each comment to voice your opinion about that particular comment.
Want to tell us something but you don't want it to be public? Talk to us privately.
