Heed the lesson of listening

His Majesty gave his greatest attention to those who had the least. He not just heard, but listened to locals, and his solutions reflected local differences and cultures. In stark contrast, neither red shirts nor yellow shirts have listened in good faith to the other, seeking only to win by hook or by crook. Each side fought mainly for its vested interests and elites, not caring about local needs.
Thousands of world-class firms have improved corporate productivity through applying Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Those Habits, especially “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood”, will help us understand into how others think, and work with them. Covey’s Thailand distributor, PacRim Group, can train us in this, as they’ve trained all staff of the Stock Exchange of Thailand in this key skill. We should then use this expertise in applying His Majesty’s approach to reconcile.
With the government maintaining law and order, ensuring a calm, work-focused atmosphere, civic organisations such as universities and professional and regional groups can apply the King’s approach to explore their differences and work hand-in-glove to achieve long-term overarching key national goals, with solutions tailored to local needs. For example, in education, national goals might include the ability to think critically, innovate ask and questions, and the ability to fulfil the highest potential of all Thais; at a local level, curricula might differ between regions. Or, a key economic goal might be to eliminate hunger within a given timeframe, starting with the poorest areas and people.
Our beloved King worked only to benefit all Thais. We should honour his memory and return his love by following in his footsteps, using his approach to become one.
Burin Kantabutra