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Flip-flopping or just flexible? Rigid or resolute?

by Paul 18. July 2008 10:09

In psychology, the term "perseveration" refers to a person continuing an action even when it’s clearly inappropriate or counter-productive. To my knowledge there’s no exact antonym, but "labile" comes close: The individual’s feelings and behavior can change unpredictably from one moment to the next. Neither of these are especially desirable. Certainly not in a powerful decision maker.

Ideal decision makers have a balance of the two qualities. They take in the facts and make informed decisions. They stand by those decisions, instead of reversing course too easily, even while observing and weighing the results. If it becomes apparent that a course of action will work better with some adjustments, they make the adjustments instead of insisting that nothing should be changed. When something consistently does not work, they don’t strain and twist the truth pretending that it really does work, and they know when to say "enough is enough."

Perhaps you’ve heard the simple definition of insanity: It’s doing the same thing and expecting different results.

Are we mature enough, wise enough, as a nation to admit mistakes? If so, we should allow our political politicians the same right. Are we patient enough to give good ideas a fair chance to work before throwing up our hands? We should value the political leader with patience and vision, who knows the difference between resoluteness and perseveration.

Biggest question of all: Are we mature enough to stop the name calling?

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Government Action and Inaction | Life in America | What's a good politician

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