Author: whatifconcepts

Empowering those that inspire so they can excel at the work that matters.

Resistance

Resistance is a remarkable force for good and/or a formiable foe. It can appear in numerous forms, mechanical, psychological, chemical, environmental, and humanity to name a few. As winter grips parts of the northern hemisphere, our ability to adapt or subcome to cold is a form of resistance.

Making a decision has a layer of resistance embedded. Embracing homeostatis allows us to postpone resistance in some circumstances. Trying to navigate numerous choices creates points of friction and resistance in certain occurrences.

How might we prepare in advance for resistance points? How might we preload resources to overcome barriers that will postpone our progress? And, how might we adopt a mindset to honor resistance points that are impending signs of failure or damage?

Other Questions (Part Two)

It is probably quickly forgotten if we bring a stuffed animal to a hockey game and throw it onto the ice after the home team scores. However, if the home team holds a toy drive and thousands of stuffed animals are thrown onto the ice after the first goal, it is remarkable. Questions are similar; one rouge question might get a quick response, but a cascade of intentional questions can steer an enterprise’s future strategy.

What questions must you answer before you can ask another question?

Do you need to agree that contributed income is a vital source of revenue for your venture? Once established that contributed income is a priority, you can commence with questions about how your cause engages potential supporters in meaningful conversations about their philanthropy? The sub-questions have little value if we have not answered the essential question.

Symbols

Navigating relies on our ability to piece together clues and landmarks. A well-placed symbol might set us up for success in a country where the language is unfamiliar.

How might we use language and symbols to help our fans navigate? How might our websites, social media, publications, events, and programs clarify where to find us? When we create unintended barriers to entry, we start encounters with frustration and confusion.

Forced Perspective

We can achieve optical illusions when we use misalignment to create unique spatial relationships. In the social sector, this can be accomplished by making our cause’s impact appear greater or less. We deploy scales and comparisons showing greater or lesser barriers and success.

How might we spend less time creating illusions and more time engaging those who are committed to our journey? When we assemble the right expedition party, we do not need to reduce or build up the terrain we have chosen to navigate.

Local Legend

Who is the person in the community that can reliably be found at a specific location (or event)? The community member who is always cleaning up trash from the side of the road while waving to passing traffic. The dog walker who appears at the same time of day. The teacher has been a fixture in the third-grade classroom for generations.

Our local legends are easy to take for granted because they show up reliably and relentlessly. We tend to notice them even more when they are absent. How might we celebrate and engage with them now instead of once a void appears?

Changing the System

Disney changed the color of lifeboats on cruise ships and created the design for marking the difficulty of ski runs. Disney wanted a different color scheme for lifeboats, so they did research and convinced the US Coast Guard to expand the acceptable palette of lifeboat colors. When Disney considered owning and operating a ski resort, there was no universal system for marking the difficulty of ski runs. Disney created a system that was adopted by many ski areas. Ultimately, Disney never launched its ski resort but altered the ski industry.

We are all working to change the system in some way. We are trying to enforce the existing system, expand the system, or break the system. Understanding that we might effect change without being stakeholders is a paradigm shift.

Enterance Customization

There are many entrances to Central Park in New York City. As a special touch, there are twenty unique gates (entrances) along the six-mile perimeter of the park. Some are self-evident. The Children’s Gate leads to the Central Park Zoo and adjoining playgrounds. The Artist Gate is reflective of the cultural buildings nearby. And other gates (Woodsman, Miners, and Pioneers) are a nod to those critical to the city’s founding.

How might we use customized entrances as a way to welcome, honor, and celebrate those who are critical to our success.