Friday; December 27

Wyatt Earp is one of those American enigmas.  He was a real person who became surreal in history.  I think that one of the things that made Marshall Earp intriguing was that he bridged the gap between the Old West and the development of Hollywood by living to the ripe old age of 80 when he died in Los Angeles in 1929. 

I think you can pick the “Wyatt Earp” you want to believe in and that would lend credence to the persona you believe – and probably the quotes that ring truest to you.  The other day I came across one that struck me.  Now, I must warn you that it does embrace violence, but I also believe it makes a valid point.  Earp is quoted as saying, “Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.  In a gunfight … You need to take your time in a hurry.”.  As I read that observation, I wasn’t as impressed by his ability with his firearm as I was about how that saying translated to communication.  We can be quick with a word or even quick witted, but the only thing that really matters is whether what we say is true and accurate.  On more times than I’d like to admit, I have been quick to speak – but not accurate in what I said.  By the way, accuracy doesn’t just imply being factual, it also means having the correct intention as well.  If we want to be known as effective communicators we must be prepared to respond, but only do it when our words and spirit are right. 

I don’t want to follow in Earp’s footsteps, but I think that his assessment of speed vs. accuracy is important.  When we incorporate both appropriately, we can be both impressive and impactful. 

Think About It!

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