Experts

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Mobile applications such as Where’s A Bear exist to pinpoint the exact location of bears in Yellowstone National Park.  The app stores the data between cell coverage areas which is a scarce item throughout the park.  A visitor can now more successfully play wildlife bingo and race from animal to animal sighting in hopes of seeing the Big Five (grizzly, bison, wolf, big horn sheep, elk),  Sensational Six (Big Five plus moose), or Fantastic Four (car full of tourist arguing over which of the Big Five they just spotted).  Wildlife bingo will be an even hotter competition this summer with the possibility of observing all of the Big Five in one-day’s time.


Real-time access to information does not dilute the experience.  There will always be those whose purpose is sightseeing with the windows and pedal down.  


Spotting wildlife presents unique options.  For some it is a mental snapshot and a drive-by, others might stop to snap a photo and video.  A few will want to experience a deeper level of impact from their experience.  They will seek out those who are the masterminds to providing more context.  And a final few will play wildlife roulette by wandering a bit too close.

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The transformative impact of real-time information is that is does not eliminate the need for experts.  Instant knowledge separates out those who were seeking basic information from those who want to engage in a deeper discussion about a topic.    


Bringing in the Expert

I spent the last two days facilitating a strategic planning retreat with an educational client. There was lots of the dynamic conversation about the organization’s future. By chance, the president of the regional association representing educational institutions was in-town and attended the wrap-up session.

To gain a fresh perspective from an expert in the field has been transformative for the school’s planning efforts. To have an individual who could help focus the planning process was remarkable. One of the keys for the school in the planning effort was to be intentional in establishing its initiatives and not just select a goals that served as placeholders. The language that was being proposed for one of the outcomes bordered on cliche and the association president quickly helped us define the true intention.

Who could you invite to your planning sessions who can ask the critical questions? Who tests if you are being intentional? How do you avoid cliche language in your goals?