Author: whatifconcepts

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

Hoarding or Preparing?

What is the inflection point between hoarding and securing additional resources? In the social sector, this tension plays out when an organization with a significant endowment requests funding for distinct initiatives. For example, a summer camp requiring deferred maintenance of its facilities may be questioned about the criteria for deploying the endowment for the upkeep and maintenance of the facility versus seeking new contributions.

How might we be prepared to communicate with our supporters when we are building up caches to provide fuel for our journey and when we are stocking a storage room for a pandemic we hope never occurs? Knowing how we intend to deploy resources may differentiate a donor’s perception between contribution and aggressive panhandling.

Useful

A tugboat is not useful for the majority of a transatlantic crossing. However, it is a crucial tool to pilot a large cruise ship from the departure port and upon arrival at the destination port. Tugboats are uniquely positioned to ensure successful voyages. We do not disparage the value of a tug boat when it returns to the harbor once the cruiseliner reaches the breakwater and open seas. The confined and complex waters of a busy port require a specialist, and the tugboat is the ‘offensive lineman’ of the harbor. Working in close proximity to others and rarely receiving the spotlight unless something goes wrong.

How might we maximize our usefulness without fretting about the portion of the journey we are not equipped to support?

Reflection

We project reflections to those we serve. Despite our original narrative and authenticate approach, the process of interpreting us is left to the receiver, who must decode numerous cues and subtle outputs. No matter how vast, rapid, versatile, gritty, dedicated, inspired, generous, or empathetic our intentions, they must be converted into the base language of the recipient.

How might we remain curious about the impact of our superpowers? We may think we are saving the village nestled in the mountain valley by removing the giant balance rock perched precariously on top of the cliff, but perhaps that boulder was the iconic centerpiece of the town’s identity and folklore.

How might we consider, ‘What else can this represent’ before reacting to our reflection?

Providing Access

How do you deliver your services to those who benefit from your superpower? Is the access point narrow and secretive, or is it broad and expansive? Are you offering urgent care level availability, or are you a specialist that requires an appointment and a long wait? Knowing where we are uniquely positioned to serve allows us to think about the platforms where our services are most effectively delivered.

How might we provide access for those in need? What is worth positioning in the public domain, and what requires safeguarding behind a robust fortress rampart?

Trail Companions

There are times when we select our trail companions, there are times they select us, and there are times when we happen to occupy the same section of the trail. I was running in the mountains when a dog decided to join me for a portion of my run. The adventurous canine appeared happy and confident, so I assumed good intentions. After a couple minutes of shared navigation, I noticed another trail user with an umbrella below me on the lower switchbacks, and the dog dutifully returned to their owner.

We do not always get to pick our partners while doing the work that matters. Sometimes, we join forces after strategic decisions; other times, circumstances compel us into a shared space, and occasionally, we just happen to be occupying the same point in our work (or organizational lifecycle).

How might we be open to all types of partnerships, not just the ones that primarily benefit us? How might we recognize that being a trail partner offers assurance to those who might have doubts or need a little inspiration to continue their journey?

Vision vs Visionary

When the conditions are right, I can see the horizon line from the right viewpoint, and if someone designs a functional orientation point, I can align myself. However, imagining the future we are trying to create is harder when obstacles appear.

How might we provide the proper orientation for those we serve? How might we set people up for success? How might we provide a sense of the work that matters for those seeking to fuel our journey? One requires end-user empathy. The other relies on wayfinding attributes.

Specialty

I doubt many museums like this one exist in the Rhone-Alpes, France. It is unique and specialized. If this topic interests us, we will find a route to visit when we are in the region. If we are the specialists, we are afforded more latitude regarding location, hours, amenities, and posted reviews by those not closely connected at the super fan level. This is for a very select group. If you know, you know.

Designed With Purpose

How might we design our services with the end user in mind? If we publish a “how to” app but fail to assess which language is native to most users, the app will fail to scale if language is required to navigate the app.

How might we consider the needs of the end user before we consider how well the service works for our portfolio of offerings?

Entry Point

What is your entry point for engaging those you are seeking to serve? Opinel created “My First Opinel” knife with safety features, including a rounded taper blade. Offering an entry point allows people to feel part of the club, even if they are not ready to access all the features and benefits of the best version of your enterprise (services and products).

How might we be intentional about our entry point and not solely focus on the best-designed version of our work?