So I was having a discussion and someone brought up my last speech. Apparently it was though that it was possibly something to do with my leader, Maria. My previous speech had nothing to do with Maria, but I thought she would be a fascinating topic and set my mind to preparing this speech all about Maria.

Okay, it's actually about open communication lines between a leader and their members. So basically Maria and I. Exciting isn't it?

Personally, I think it is very important to have open communication with your leader. In a day and age where people are always going to make assumptions or try to shove the "disrespectful" line on you, it only makes sense to be able to open the lines for big discussions. I thought a lot about what reasons someone may take to the streets to purposely slam their leader in a thread. The best idea I could come up with is that they could not speak to their leader..

My bloodline has had many different leaders, moved to different cities, and wrote them all down in their journals as  something for their children's children to go off of. There comes a time when you need to throw those books aside, hell even burn them because they are no longer accurate. The one thing that remains very much the same is that my line is not afraid to voice their opinions straight to their leader. Thus, I do not feel the need to bring a subject up in the streets that is surrounding my leader.

Where does Maria come into all this? Well I like to think I have the ability to communicate openly with her in a respectful manner. I can approach my leader with my concerns, issues or just random chit chat and I won't be shut down. There is no fear that she will base everything that I say as my "bloodline causing issues as it always does." Instead, she understands my need to discuss things out and/or get them off my chest.

Do you have that ability to openly speak to your leader? If you don't then perhaps you should try to open them up. If you get shut down then perhaps that leader is not for you. Not every concern or complaint is meant as a slight to the leader. We all have our different ways we see things, think or do things.

I've often heard "you only complain until things are done your way" or "you just want everything your way." Well most people do want things their way. That would be nice wouldn't it? However, I am more than realistic enough to understand that is not likely to happen in any manner. You may be wondering why I bother to bring things up at all then and I will tell you. Knowledge. Such a simple answer and yet more complex.

I work for a leader I did not know very well. One that I respected and had a discussion with prior to joining them. Now if I couldn't speak to her I certainly would not have lasted long here. I like to know things. I like to be able to understand why certain decisions are reached. Is it my business? Many will claim no, and they would be right. I have a leader that is willing to converse with me so I understand how their decisions are made and what is they are looking for.

Anyone who has goals and wants to be able to excel in their family is going to want to know what it is their leader is looking for. Do they value bringing discussions that are different into the streets? Do they simply want to treat you like a cash mule? I mean every leader is so different, and they will value different things. All of these things you won't actually know if you remain silent and do not speak to your leader.

I'd like to think I am fortunate to have a leader like Maria. I would hope that should my leader or I die, that there would be somewhere similar for my kin to go. Everyone deserves to be able to speak their minds, voice their concerns or just bounce ideas off their leaders or even family members without being shushed regardless of who they are or what their lines did.

This open communication is why I love working for Maria. Why I feel comfortable enough to be a little different and try to bring something a little different to the Streets when I can.  I can't control what other people take from my words, but I can put the effort out there to be remembered for my voice and opening discussions.

John saw Cin start to speak, and having enjoyed her previous speech decided it was worth listening. As she spoke John became more confused, was there really an epidemic of people not being able to talk to their leaders? Granted, John's family had not been to these lands since the time of his great great grandfather so he was not as aware of the current politics as others might be but the leaders he knew - WFG4L, Esau, Nimiri, and others - all seemed very open to communication and willing to listen to their crews. With this going through his mind he felt he had to speak up. 

I think that most leaders are quite happy to speak with their crew members. I obviously can't speak for them and have not interacted with all of them but it seems unlikely to me that any leader would expect their crew to follow blindly without ever wanting to discuss things or even just have a better understanding of things. 

That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, while discussion is valuable there are times when an order is an order and should be followed without question. In times of war or even just raised tension our leaders may ask us to do things without having the full benefit of knowing exactly why we are doing those things. That is part of the life we live and if someone can't accept that they are likely to find themselves meeting their ancestors sooner rather than later. 

Second, just because a leader doesn't accept what you are saying doesn't mean that they aren't listening. I'm not saying that is what you are saying Cin but it is something I have heard in some of the rants that go on here in the streets at times. Our leaders - not just in our individual family but in our cities and even overall in this thing of ours - have to weight a lot of things when making decisions and they are going to make those decisions based on all available information and knowledge. They may or may not be willing or able to share all of the reasons with you if you ask, but just because they don't doesn't mean they don't have solid reason. Anyone who has ever led a group of people understands that there is no such thing as a universally accepted decision which means that if you are a crew member sometimes your leaders are going to do things you don't agree with. Of course, if you find yourself disagreeing with the majority of what your leader is doing you probably should reevaluate your loyalties...just remember that there are consequences for such actions. 

Lastly, I just feel it should be said that coming to the streets with frustrations about your leader - again Cin I realize you are not doing this right now - is just wrong. Whatever your feelings about your leader they should be dealt with within your family and if they can't you should reevaluate your place within your family - and accept any consequences that come with doing so. When we join a family - especially when we are made - we swear an oath of allegiance to that family. This is a matter of honor and to throw it away is disgraceful. Yes, we should question our leaders from time to time, but it should be done within the family and stay within the family. 

Sorry to go on a bit of a rant, but I felt it needed to be said. Good day madam

Having said his piece John respectfully nods to Cin and steps back into the crowd.  

Cin smiled over at John.

I appreciate your views. I completely agree with bringing grievances to the streets as something not to do. I personally, don't feel like I would ever have to as I can bring just about anything up to Maria without worrying about not being heard.

As for other leaders, I can't speak for all the current ones and the ones I could would be on past experiences my kin has had but I draw from them in some regards so I spoke mainly of their experiences when I touched on not being able to speak to some leaders. I get that it happens, and I am sure that there are many whom have an open door policy. Thing is, people often claim they want something like honesty until it is in their direction, and then they sort of deflate into assumptions and it really is a mess. Again, not saying anything about the current ones because I have not had ancestors through all of their doors and really don't wish to.

If you found one that you can speak to openly with I think that is great. No one should fear speaking up or feeling as if their concern isn't valid to them.