Tuesday; August 11

           The other day I was watching a baseball game and they described a major league pitcher in an unusual way.  On the surface the guy did not seem all that approachable – either by his teammates or his coaching staff – yet in defending him they called him “stubborn, but open”.  Now, if you were just casually listening, this combination of words might have just floated on by; but a closer analysis made me stop and think.  What does it mean to be stubborn, but open?  Isn’t that an oxymoron?  The commentators went on to explain that the veteran ballplayer understood his talents and his purpose and was committed to doing things his way; however, if people approached him with good information, he would listen.  In essence, he had a natural built-in filter, but he was not completely oblivious to help.

          As I thought about this type of personality, I got to thinking about people who might have a similar mindset and how we might reach out to them.  Whether it is in trying to train, convince or even evangelize people with this type of personality, I think there a couple of important points.  First, we must have good, solid information.  People like this aren’t going to be easily swayed by “fluff”, so we need to be concise and intelligent.  Secondly, rather than seeing these types of people as being difficult, we must see them as convicted.  In all honestly, being easily moved from our convictions is not necessarily a noble quality.  Yes, we should be working to improve and enhance “stubborn” people, but we should take satisfaction in believing that when they are convinced to make a change, they will be committed to their new self.

          Working with people who are stubborn, but open is not easy.  However, it may be well worth the effort.

         Think About It!

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