How does what we see in the foreground impact what we see in the other portions of the picture? Does the foreground impact our initial impression? Can it control or manipulate what is taking place in the rest of the image?
How might we position our ideas and programs so that what people first encounter might make a greater impact?
A sampler pack offers a chance to try different varieties of an item. It is an adventurous way to see what resonates.
How might we do the same with ideas? When and how do you try a sampler pack of ideas? What might we discover and what might we be able to eliminate?
Are you making choices based on an idea or reality? If a snowstorm is forecasted, do you amend your plans in anticipation of the storm’s impact, or do you wait until there is sufficient accumulation to hinder your progress? If you take precautions and the total snowfall is minimal, the journey could have continued, and being off-trail feels unnecessary. If you press on and the snowfall is significant you might find yourself trapped at high elevation with few options for safe retreat.
How do you assess an idea versus reality? How much priority do you assign to one over the other?
What is the mental transition that we make when counting sequential numbers? For example, what is the tipping point that moves us from the number ‘3’ to the number ‘4’. It represents something more than cognition as if a physical permutation is required. The liminal moment when we are no longer on ‘3’ but have not locked in on ‘4’ is micro-seconds but it exists. Have you paused to consider this subtle shift?
What might our numerical counting experience teach us about transitions? How might we recognize that something as simple as moving through sequential numbers can provide hints about how more significant transitions might reverberate.
One meaning of the above phrase is about creating disruption and ceasing work. Another version is about creating disruption and changing the way we work.
If you plan alone, you create a first draft that embeds ideas influenced by your personal magnetic north. If you bring others into the conversation, you can add perspectives and concepts that you might not consider. When we expand the conversation, especially early in the process, we are afforded a plan that has been influenced by those who see opportunities and barriers differently.
If you were asked to throw an object over an eight-foot fence and get one item into a bucket on the other side as quickly as possible, how would you proceed? If the rules state that you cannot use a ladder and you must remain on the side of the fence opposite the bucket but have access to a shed of sporting equipment, is there an opening strategy?
Why are we willing to iterate in a game format but unwilling to take identical chances when executing our mission when the opportunity to start a new initiative arrives?
The differences between an air traffic controller and a passenger on a commercial flight are numerous. One of the most important is that the controller has a perspective on the entire sector. As a passenger, there is little awareness about the actions and intentions of other aircraft. Passengers are afforded a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery, which the controller does not get from looking at their screens.
How might we amplify the strengths of each role we inhabit without trying to make them overlap?
Last night as I was out a ridin’
graveyard shift, midnight ‘till dawn
the moon was as bright as a readin’ light
for a letter from an old friend back home
He asked me why do you ride for your money
Why do you rope for short pay
You ain’t getting’ nowhere
And you’re losin’ your share
Boy, you must have gone crazy out there
But he’s never seen the Northern Lights
Never seen a hawk on the wing
He’s never seen Spring hit the Great Divide
And never heard Ol’ Camp Cookie sing
Night Rider’s Lament is a classic song illuminating the paradox of a cowboy’s employment for minimal pay versus real-world working opportunities. The song’s refrain provides an insight into the benefits of enduring the challenging conditions; the beauty of nature and the comradery of those who join you in a unique pursuit.
How might we recognize that how we keep score is not universal? How might we remain curious about the motivations of those who take a different route?
Head to the polls, secure a ballot and vote. Vote on every issue. Vote for a single candidate. Or return a blank ballot. Participate in the process. Be heard, be present, be engaged, be unique.
You received a single-ride ticket; how do you choose to use it? It retains no value and cannot be redeemed after Election Day. Participation is your superpower.
What-if-concepts 