Comments on: The deal: no more “on the one hand, on the other”. OK? http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/ Marcom - Marketing Communications :: PR/Marcom Pros Mentoring Students Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:02:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: Allison http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-9801 Allison Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:54:25 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-9801 I am so glad I read your post before entering the business world. It scares me to think that I will be graduating in a few months and this is the first time I am being taught this perspective. Throughout my academic career, I have always been taught to show both sides of an issue, to the point where I catch myself doing the "on the one hand...on the other hand" in more than just assignments now. We have always been taught that providing both sides of an issue makes your work better and the source more credible. I can see now why in the business world that would be the complete opposite. I want to be the pr practitioner that is educated, yet has a distinct opinion and can support it well. I am going to take these last weeks I have as a student to practice taking a bolder stand on various issues I come across, especially as I continue to blog. Thank you for this post and encouraging us to approach decision making assertively. I am so glad I read your post before entering the business world. It scares me to think that I will be graduating in a few months and this is the first time I am being taught this perspective. Throughout my academic career, I have always been taught to show both sides of an issue, to the point where I catch myself doing the “on the one hand…on the other hand” in more than just assignments now. We have always been taught that providing both sides of an issue makes your work better and the source more credible. I can see now why in the business world that would be the complete opposite. I want to be the pr practitioner that is educated, yet has a distinct opinion and can support it well. I am going to take these last weeks I have as a student to practice taking a bolder stand on various issues I come across, especially as I continue to blog. Thank you for this post and encouraging us to approach decision making assertively.

]]> By: Christi http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5886 Christi Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:43:25 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5886 Thank you, Allan, for the very helpful advice. Unsure of ourselves and what we have to offer in new environments, we often tell ourselves that the best solutions are those that make everyone happy. However, as you pointed out in your own faux pas, neutrality and "safe" answers don't make anyone happy. Employers want to be reassured that the intelligent, confident person they interviewed is equally so in real life. Confident, assured answers command respect, even from those who don't necessarily agree, while vacillating, "on the one hand, on the other hand" positions make us look like students. We want to be professionals. Thanks to all of the Marcom contributers for helping us get there. Thank you, Allan, for the very helpful advice. Unsure of ourselves and what we have to offer in new environments, we often tell ourselves that the best solutions are those that make everyone happy. However, as you pointed out in your own faux pas, neutrality and “safe” answers don’t make anyone happy. Employers want to be reassured that the intelligent, confident person they interviewed is equally so in real life. Confident, assured answers command respect, even from those who don’t necessarily agree, while vacillating, “on the one hand, on the other hand” positions make us look like students. We want to be professionals. Thanks to all of the Marcom contributers for helping us get there.

]]> By: Kristin Hill http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5588 Kristin Hill Mon, 02 Oct 2006 03:06:57 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5588 "Some companies will fire you for saying what you think. Some will fire you for not saying what you think. Which would you rather work for?" (Allan Jenkins) I would choose the company which will allow me to speak my mind and state my opinion. Once I begin a career in the pr world, I have a fear my voice will be ignored because I will be a recent college graduate. I don't want my older, and more experienced colleagues to be thinking, "What does she know? She just finished school." I have always been taught to say how I feel, and I have tried to live my life by speaking my mind. I do not want to enter the corporate world with my mouth closed. A company which will encourage discussion is one which I will strive to work for. I feel college graduates can bring many innovative and new ideas to a company, and I hope the firm I work for will promote dialogue. When it comes to making decisions, I can honestly say I am better now at sticking to one specific point than I was before college. Before college, I was usually torn between two points when I made choices. This is due to the fact college life and being on my own has taught me about the world around me. Being away from home has forced me to realize the importance of figuring out what I stand for and knowing what I truly believe in. Also, by serving in leadership roles on campus, I have realized the importance of making up my mind and sticking to my position. People don’t usually follow a leader who is indecisive. If the leader can never make up their mind, then they will have a hard time at convincing others to listen to them. When a leader shows confidence in their words and stands behind their statements, others will listen. It seems this would translate into the pr world as well. If a pr practitioner is torn and uncertain when presenting ideas to a client, the client will have a hard time trusting the particular pr practitioner and firm. I agree that being indecisive can cause one to fail in the “real world.â€? “Some companies will fire you for saying what you think. Some will fire you for not saying what you think. Which would you rather work for?” (Allan Jenkins)

I would choose the company which will allow me to speak my mind and state my opinion.

Once I begin a career in the pr world, I have a fear my voice will be ignored because I will be a recent college graduate. I don’t want my older, and more experienced colleagues to be thinking, “What does she know? She just finished school.”

I have always been taught to say how I feel, and I have tried to live my life by speaking my mind. I do not want to enter the corporate world with my mouth closed.

A company which will encourage discussion is one which I will strive to work for. I feel college graduates can bring many innovative and new ideas to a company, and I hope the firm I work for will promote dialogue.

When it comes to making decisions, I can honestly say I am better now at sticking to one specific point than I was before college. Before college, I was usually torn between two points when I made choices.

This is due to the fact college life and being on my own has taught me about the world around me. Being away from home has forced me to realize the importance of figuring out what I stand for and knowing what I truly believe in.

Also, by serving in leadership roles on campus, I have realized the importance of making up my mind and sticking to my position. People don’t usually follow a leader who is indecisive. If the leader can never make up their mind, then they will have a hard time at convincing others to listen to them. When a leader shows confidence in their words and stands behind their statements, others will listen.

It seems this would translate into the pr world as well. If a pr practitioner is torn and uncertain when presenting ideas to a client, the client will have a hard time trusting the particular pr practitioner and firm. I agree that being indecisive can cause one to fail in the “real world.�

]]> By: Virginia Tharpe http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5522 Virginia Tharpe Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:47:52 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5522 Allan, you raise an interesting point with your post. In all my years of schooling, I have never once been told by a teacher not to think in the “on one hand, on the other� method. It is respectful to my classmates and helps us to see all points of view, like you mentioned. I agree with your stance on the issue. It annoys me to no end when people are wishy-washy with their points of view. You can listen to other people’s thoughts and feelings on an issue, but when it comes time for you to make a choice, do just that, make a choice. I know I have suffered from this before, but I honestly try to think out all arguments before I get into them, know where I stand, and try my hardest not to back down or turn wishy-washy. Glad to hear that some else shares a pep-peeve with me! Allan, you raise an interesting point with your post. In all my years of schooling, I have never once been told by a teacher not to think in the “on one hand, on the other� method. It is respectful to my classmates and helps us to see all points of view, like you mentioned. I agree with your stance on the issue. It annoys me to no end when people are wishy-washy with their points of view. You can listen to other people’s thoughts and feelings on an issue, but when it comes time for you to make a choice, do just that, make a choice. I know I have suffered from this before, but I honestly try to think out all arguments before I get into them, know where I stand, and try my hardest not to back down or turn wishy-washy. Glad to hear that some else shares a pep-peeve with me!

]]> By: Rachel M http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5485 Rachel M Tue, 26 Sep 2006 22:00:20 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5485 Presenting both sides of the arguement is what we were always taught because teachers want to see that you thought about the other option. Business owners probably know that you thought about the other option but they want you to be sure of just one. When making decisions you must do "one on one hand, and one on the other" but in the end you can only decide on one, the best one. A business that hires you wants to see that you learned in college to weigh out the options and pick the best one but they do not necessarily want you to present that to them. This is great advice for when undergrads go off into the big world of business. Presenting both sides of the arguement is what we were always taught because teachers want to see that you thought about the other option. Business owners probably know that you thought about the other option but they want you to be sure of just one. When making decisions you must do “one on one hand, and one on the other” but in the end you can only decide on one, the best one. A business that hires you wants to see that you learned in college to weigh out the options and pick the best one but they do not necessarily want you to present that to them. This is great advice for when undergrads go off into the big world of business.

]]> By: Kristina Wilburn http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5483 Kristina Wilburn Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:34:17 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5483 Thank you for the very sound advice, Allan. You are right, college teaches us to see both sides of every issue and gives us the ability to argue each side effectively. Presenting both sides of an argument to your colleagues at a business meeting would be considered desirable, at a college level. Having the confidence to assert the better option in a professional setting differentiates the business world from the college learning environment. Your sound advice will undoubtedly help countless young employees be successful the first time around. Thanks so much. Thank you for the very sound advice, Allan. You are right, college teaches us to see both sides of every issue and gives us the ability to argue each side effectively. Presenting both sides of an argument to your colleagues at a business meeting would be considered desirable, at a college level. Having the confidence to assert the better option in a professional setting differentiates the business world from the college learning environment. Your sound advice will undoubtedly help countless young employees be successful the first time around. Thanks so much.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5468 Sarah Tue, 26 Sep 2006 14:42:27 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5468 No more "one one hand, on the other hand," is a valuable concept for undergrad students. But the problem is, why is this just now being pointed out? The purpose of an undergraduate degree is to prepare us for the business world, so why are fresh-off-the-campus graduates still making these mistakes when they begin their first careers? It is necessary to be familiar with both sides of an issue before choosing an arguement or making a decision, but it is even more important to take a stand and pick a side. If you don't know which side you're supporting, then how will anyone have enough faith in your decision to support it? You must be aware of both arguements or decision choices, but you must know the one you choose. You should be able to explain why you chose this decision, why it is more effective than the other decisions, and then convince everyone else to rally behind you. Confidence in your decision and a plan to communicate this decision can determine whether you sink or swim during a project. No more “one one hand, on the other hand,” is a valuable concept for undergrad students. But the problem is, why is this just now being pointed out? The purpose of an undergraduate degree is to prepare us for the business world, so why are fresh-off-the-campus graduates still making these mistakes when they begin their first careers?

It is necessary to be familiar with both sides of an issue before choosing an arguement or making a decision, but it is even more important to take a stand and pick a side. If you don’t know which side you’re supporting, then how will anyone have enough faith in your decision to support it?

You must be aware of both arguements or decision choices, but you must know the one you choose. You should be able to explain why you chose this decision, why it is more effective than the other decisions, and then convince everyone else to rally behind you.

Confidence in your decision and a plan to communicate this decision can determine whether you sink or swim during a project.

]]> By: Danielle W. http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5449 Danielle W. Tue, 26 Sep 2006 02:29:14 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5449 This blog brings forth a mix of emotions for me! It's definitely good to be told this now. We are taught throughout high school and college to look at both sides, be timid about taking one side over the other, and to almost fear disagreements with authority. Many students use the "On one hand, on the other" technique in tests, essays, and even when dealing with professors. Basically, we don't want to tick people off. I think, especially in the south, we are expected to be agreeable. Often, it's considered rude to disagree. Everyone spends too much time trying to be pleasant to one another. This approach is completely different. It certainly doesn't suggest rudeness, or ignorant arguments. However, it does require that we take a stand and decide what we believe is right. Even more important, it requires that we back up what we believe and stick to it. For someone who finds it nearly impossible to make a decision and who almost always experiences cognitive dissonance after every decision, this approach is hard to swallow. Nonetheless I realize that it's vital to my future. We're constantly told life in the 'real world' is so much different, this blog gives great insight into some detail of that difference. This blog brings forth a mix of emotions for me! It’s definitely good to be told this now. We are taught throughout high school and college to look at both sides, be timid about taking one side over the other, and to almost fear disagreements with authority. Many students use the “On one hand, on the other” technique in tests, essays, and even when dealing with professors. Basically, we don’t want to tick people off. I think, especially in the south, we are expected to be agreeable. Often, it’s considered rude to disagree. Everyone spends too much time trying to be pleasant to one another.
This approach is completely different. It certainly doesn’t suggest rudeness, or ignorant arguments. However, it does require that we take a stand and decide what we believe is right. Even more important, it requires that we back up what we believe and stick to it. For someone who finds it nearly impossible to make a decision and who almost always experiences cognitive dissonance after every decision, this approach is hard to swallow. Nonetheless I realize that it’s vital to my future. We’re constantly told life in the ‘real world’ is so much different, this blog gives great insight into some detail of that difference.

]]> By: Cody http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5312 Cody Wed, 20 Sep 2006 03:11:26 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5312 This is a strikingly familiar post from a previous entry, however, the repetition is both appropriate and necessary. The confidence issue seems to be what feeds this toying of ideas. My belief is that self-assurance stems from knowledge, research, experience and feedback. Confidence in decisions and argument support will grow with increased exposure to professionals and the public relations industry. You were right on when you said teachers stress the importance of having a multitude of ideas. We've been left with the impression that several considerations are more useful than one, so it's interesting to learn otherwise. Our success may depend on it. Thank you so much for your contribution. This post provides priceless insight that many have not considered. This is a strikingly familiar post from a previous entry, however, the repetition is both appropriate and necessary.

The confidence issue seems to be what feeds this toying of ideas. My belief is that self-assurance stems from knowledge, research, experience and feedback. Confidence in decisions and argument support will grow with increased exposure to professionals and the public relations industry.

You were right on when you said teachers stress the importance of having a multitude of ideas. We’ve been left with the impression that several considerations are more useful than one, so it’s interesting to learn otherwise. Our success may depend on it.

Thank you so much for your contribution. This post provides priceless insight that many have not considered.

]]> By: Amy http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5293 Amy Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:19:20 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/09/06/the-deal-no-more-on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-ok/#comment-5293 Hi Allan and thanks for your post. The problem that you mention is a very real and annoying one. These days it is pounded into the students’ heads so often that all points should be addressed that they never find a specific point to stick by at all. There should be more of an emphasis on choosing one point of view and sticking to it strongly despite the opposition. It almost seems as if students are being taught to please everyone. In response to your comment that we should be able to tell others that their argument is wrong and give them the reasons why, the courage to stand up to one another in the business world is lacking these days. People are more concerned with keeping their jobs rather than doing their jobs to the best of their ability. It can be compared to a politician concerning himself more with how to be re-elected rather than addressing the current issues right under his nose. The irony is, that addressing those current issues is probably the best way to achieve re-election anyway. The encouragement for students to speak their minds and speak them well is very important today because it is a skill that is quickly declining. The solution is for instructors to remove the fear of offending colleagues from the students and teach them that standing by one point of view in a respectful way gains much more admiration than trying to please everyone by giving many points of view that have little back up. Hi Allan and thanks for your post. The problem that you mention is a very real and annoying one. These days it is pounded into the students’ heads so often that all points should be addressed that they never find a specific point to stick by at all. There should be more of an emphasis on choosing one point of view and sticking to it strongly despite the opposition. It almost seems as if students are being taught to please everyone. In response to your comment that we should be able to tell others that their argument is wrong and give them the reasons why, the courage to stand up to one another in the business world is lacking these days. People are more concerned with keeping their jobs rather than doing their jobs to the best of their ability. It can be compared to a politician concerning himself more with how to be re-elected rather than addressing the current issues right under his nose. The irony is, that addressing those current issues is probably the best way to achieve re-election anyway. The encouragement for students to speak their minds and speak them well is very important today because it is a skill that is quickly declining. The solution is for instructors to remove the fear of offending colleagues from the students and teach them that standing by one point of view in a respectful way gains much more admiration than trying to please everyone by giving many points of view that have little back up.

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