Author: whatifconcepts

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

One Thing

Life is less complicated when there is one key to success or one thing that causes a negative result. We can focus on the one thing and either amplify or suppress its consequence. But rarely does one thing take the headline and all the influence on results. For example, if we can prevent lightning from striking forests, then all wildland fires would cease. If all planes had parachutes, there would never be another aviation disaster. If all athletes were tested daily, then no one would be seduced to take performance-enhancing drugs. If all roads were one-way, head-on vehicle accidents would cease to exist.

All these statements feel suitable at first read, but reality is more complex. Nature and human behavior have demonstrated that evolution and adaptation happen, and new events take their place.

Are you focusing on one thing that will guarantee success or avoid disaster? If so, are you sure that one thing is everything?

TOGA

In aviation terminology, TOGA refers to a Takeoff or Go-Around thrust setting (essentially the maximum power the engines can produce). It is used only when required since it puts more wear on the engines and creates a greater environmental impact. However, if the conditions dictate, such as a tailwind close to the maximum allowed for a specific aircraft type to achieve take-off, TOGA might be the mandated setting.

What events in your enterprise require TOGA? When are all the resources in your organization needed to achieve your objective? When has your cause used TOGA, but a lower level of exertion would have sufficed? Who and how do you decide?

* Informative video of a pilot describing the procedure for an Airbus A330neo.

Second Career

If you are a donkey that was a companion to a horse, it is a powerful relationship. However, donkeys live a factor longer than horses, so they can find themselves looking for a new function if their companion horse passes away. One Colorado nonprofit runs a donkey sanctuary. To keep the animals engaged and interacting socially, they participate in events, assuming various roles. For last night’s wedding ceremony, they carried around bottles of beer and other beverages. They were adored and celebrated, once again finding their purpose.

When our first thing is done, it may mean a new opportunity is waiting.

Up Close

As we move closer to objects, our perspective may change. As a kid, there was a rock formation that I forever believed to be a pile of rocks sitting perfectly on the saddle of the Continental Divide. However, one summer we hiked to the pass, and when I got closer, I realized my perception and reality were not aligned. A spire of rocks hung off the side of a cliff face on the far side of the saddle, but when viewed from the valley, it became a prominent landmark.

Mile Markers and Belief

If you are hiking a mountain trail and come across a sign marking the distance to the destination (or the number of switchbacks remaining to the summit), is there a total that is too overwhelming to consider? Does the knowledge of how much work is left become discouraging if it is too much/many? On occasion, we might believe we are setting people up for success by marking the intervals, but in fact, some individuals find the information supplied to be discouraging. How might we mix sharing what we need to share with a confirmation of belief in those who are mid-journey?