One of the greatest business minds of our time, Steve Jobs, said, “Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
These words resonated with me this week after fielding a call from an angry reader responding to Springfield Business Journal Editorial Director Eric Olson’s April 13 column, “Why is government in the marriage business anyway?” I won’t be a spoiler if you haven’t had a chance to read it yet.
I will just say Olson wrote a contemplative opinion piece that made me think. If I’m being truthful, I’ll admit that part of what I was thinking is that I don’t share Olson’s opinion and I find flaws in some of the data referenced in the column. Though, Olson did point to an overarching truth that warrants repeating here.
“Law and culture often butt heads, and each produces beliefs, which compel people to action,” he wrote.
I think the same can be said for any thoughtful opinion that is carefully considered and then supported or opposed. In this spirit, SBJ editors and owners have committed to a regular rotation of opinion columns. None of us claim to have all the answers; we all speak from very different perspectives, and none of us speak as the voice or opinion of Springfield Business Journal. Our desire is to start those dialogues that have relevance to the regional business community in hopes that you will join us in the discussion. I urge you to let your voice be heard.
An important thing we learned through our 12 People You Need to Know live interview series is the audience helps spur intellectual discussion and, ultimately, helps to flesh out the story. We believe it is possible to harness some of those same dynamics in print, but only if you are willing to join the chorus of voices.
Ultimately, we want you to know some of the people behind SBJ. We want you to know each of us so you are comfortable reaching out by phone or email when you have something to say, perspectives to share or news to tell. We want you to see our faces and know how we think so you will trust us with your own inner voice.
I’m joining Olson, Features Editor Emily Letterman, Web Editor Geoff Pickle and SBJ founder and President Dianne Elizabeth Osis to form the weekly rotation of staff opinion columns. Please use our individual contact information provided here to join the discussion. With your permission, your comments may be shared in print as letters to the editor, or you can make comments online following any story posted at SBJ.net and on our social media pages.
Though we share so little in common outside of our work at SBJ and our mutual desire to connect with the great business minds in our community, I have the utmost respect and admiration for my SBJ colleagues. Each week the office is alive with spirited discussion and debate on issues, stories, sources, etc. Our open floor plan and lack of ceiling insulation make it possible to insert one’s two cents from nearly anywhere in the building.
As I listen each week, it’s clear to me how much these people care about what they do and the reverence each has for the other makes them so willing to engage.
As for the angry caller I spoke with last week, she declined to go on record. Yet, her arguments were sound, impassioned and well expressed. I want her to know I heard her. I want the rest of you to know we are listening as well.
The floor is yours.
Springfield Business Journal Publisher Jennifer Jackson can be reached at jjackson@sbj.net or by phone at (417) 831-3238.
