Silent Partner

Did you realize that a silent partner is still a partner? Yep, the silent partner contributes to the group, is still accountable for the actions of group, as well as, reaps the benefits and consequences of the group. You know that being a silent partner does not exempt us from the consequences of the group’s actions, right?

I was watching an episode of one of my favorite TV series, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). In this particular episode, a college administrator was being charged as an accessory to rape. The administrator and her attorney were appalled. They asked how was the accessory charge justified. The SVU team explained that because of her  “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, the ignoring and/or non-handling of previously reported sexual assault cases and the no discipline extended towards the University’s fraternities after the incidents related to their behavior were reported, the administrator and affiliated staff had cultivated an atmosphere ripe and conducive for ongoing sexual assault among the college’s students. In essence, she and others had become a “silent partner”.

I challenge you to examine your “silent partnerships”.  Are those partnerships positive? Are they productive? Are they encouraging good or not so good? What is your role in the partnerships? Do you go with the status quo? Do you challenge the status quo? Remember, a silent partnership earns you all of the benefits and consequences afforded to the group—the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

Remember…Sister U Matter!®