Author: whatifconcepts

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

Shouting at Yoga Students

A yoga instructor who shouts at their class might be missing the intention of yoga. A Board Chair who chastizes other board members for not twisting enough elbows to secure more donations from friends and business associates might not have a sustainable approach. A treasurer who reports that the organization’s tax returns have been filed but does not wish to share a copy for review may not be amplifying leading practices.

We might be doing the work that matters, but using the wrong communication methods (or volume) might cause more obstacles than benefits.

Circles

Why ride a bike in circles around a velodrome? It takes three laps to cover a kilometer, and if we intend to ride a long distance, it is a mentally challenging way to accumulate distance. Spending too much time riding laps can create a sense of vertigo. But the track offers a smooth service, with precise measurements, and eliminates several obstacles encountered on the open road. A session in the velodrome gets us closer to precision and gives us a chance to categorize the inputs and outputs.

What is equivalent to a velodrome experience for your team? Where do you assemble to practice performing at your highest level? What opportunities allow you to test your capabilities within a controlled environment?

Enduring Value

What is the value of a painting purchased directly from an artist? Does it appreciate or depreciate over time? Does a thousand dollars spent, divided over time, mean 10 years from the date of purchase, the painting is worth $100 per year? Does the painting’s value increase to us if the artist’s portfolio expands and the market rewards them with a higher sales price on future works? Does the price matter once purchased? Do we recall the purchase price after time recedes? If the art piece represents a significant moment or place, how does our perception change? What if the artist’s personal conduct deviates from what we thought was a shared belief?

Assigning value to customized pieces is challenging. How much is our time worth? Or our creativity? Or our presence? How might we calibrate enduring value versus real-time market value?