What happens in our world is not based on facts. Beliefs and stories actually determine situations, events, and outcomes. What we think of as facts are mostly based on our perceptions, which in turn are based on what we are told, our personal feelings and biases, and our beliefs. Stories, often agenda-driven, shape much of what we believe and trust.
Most people, unfortunately, are not swayed or led by reason and facts. They are led by beliefs and the heart. And, in these days of great information malleability, who knows which “facts” are really truth? We have so many “facts’ to choose from – how do we decide which “facts” to believe and support? And just what is “truth”?
Facts were once thought to define reality. Only one reality was real, with only one set of real facts. But no more. New realities pop up regularly, each with its own set of facts. Facts are now fungible and personal. Your choice. But this presents a serious problem for those of us who must manage real businesses and organizations: Which reality should we use and what is real about it?
