One of my closest friends asked me to tell him about the Imaging Community Exchange – ICE and how it came about. As I was explaining how the concept became a reality his body language began to indicate that he was becoming closed and guarded. This surprised me since our conversations have always been open and honest. Yet he was demonstrating that he did not believe something about what I was saying. I probed further.
My probing revealed that he was concerned that I was working with an individual whom he considers to be less than a desirable business partner. He and another mutual friend had discussed the possibility that I was working with the undesirable individual. This “Bad Guy” has apparently conducted many dishonest transactions and my friends dislike him very much.
I assured my friend that ICE was not associated with the Bad Guy in any way. I’m not sure my friend is convinced. We moved on, had some nice wine and terminated the discussion.
I’m sure you have heard the quote that “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” This is a well-accepted position in business. This may be a good position to take since you are united against a common foe.
What occurred to me was that “The friend of my enemy is my enemy” is also true. Even if an individual is your friend, if he is the friend of your enemy, he now becomes your enemy. I fear that my two friends now consider me a business enemy and there is not much I can do to remove that perception.
They are wrong in their belief that I am a friend of their enemy. I am not. I even share their perceptions of that “enemy”. Yet, I can’t change their mind. This is distressing to me as I highly value our friendship.
I have always said that how we present something determines how it will be perceived and I must have made a poor presentation. I will attempt a new presentation regarding ICE to my friends. I will ensure that there is enough wine to influence the correct perception and join forces against our common “enemy”.
Please visit Imaging Community Exchange – ICE. Join for FREE.
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