What decisions are we comfortable making via proxy? Which ones do we feel better about being present for? Where are you willing to leverage your decision-making authority, and which requires your presence? When ordering take-out food, a surrogate might be easily endowed with menu choices. Signing a lease for an apartment might fall in the middle. Choosing a life partner is probably best navigated with input from the two interested parties.
What do our shoes tell us about the ground we have covered? Are they the right pair for the terrain we intend to navigate? Do they reflect how much distance we have traveled?
How might we make sure we have the right resources to advance our purpose? How might our narrative match our equipment?
What event or experience turns the switch for you and your enterprise? Is there a person, networking collaboration, or topic that transforms your energy? Is there a source that regenerates your purpose and commitment?
When we know what helps us generate more energy and enthusiasm, we can leverage it when it serves our journey.
Last month, I received emails from three different social sector organizations launching separate mergers. Each one made me optimistic. The rationale and plan to move forward were well articulated, but more importantly, the work that had been done to move from concept to merger was impressive. Equally significant were the open questions that these different groups shared. The mergers may or may not work. The abilities of two unique boards of directors to combine may or may not resonate. Retaining all the staff members may or may not endure the transformation. But, there appeared to be a genuine attempt to continue providing essential services.
How might we be open to conversations about partnerships, mergers, and sunsetting if needed? How might we remain curious about the network of affiliates doing the work that matters? How might we not miss the opportunity to ask, ‘What other direction might we consider?’
How might we deliver on our promise as consistently as possible? How might we inform those we serve when a disruption occurs? How might how we behave when we encounter unexpected circumstances deepen our relationships with those who want to see us succeed?
What qualifies as a big announcement? How remarkable of a statement qualifies? How might we build authenticity and trust with our notifications? How might we avoid the propensity to be shouting all our messages?
“I know what I’m gonna do tomorrow, and the next day, and next year, and the year after that.” George Bailey
What will you do tomorrow, the next day, and the next year? How certain are you of these commitments? What if circumstances change?
Are we committed to the journey or the destination? Prioritizing the behaviors and processes that launch us in our expected direction might strengthen the results of our planning; otherwise, we might find ourselves close to our goal but unable to grasp our transformation.
How do you navigate when visibility is reduced? Does your concentration increase? Do you slow down? Do you seek outside assistance? Do you stop and recalibrate?
If we desire a generative conversation, obscure some of the generally available details and commence.
How do you react when you get into your vehicle and the check engine light is illuminated? What if the scenario changes to a rental car? What if the warning flashes on randomly but then ceases?
One critical attribute many enterprises seek is individuals skilled at decision-making. Without more information, none of those incidents mentioned earlier have a proper solution. However, how we seek more context and react may reflect our decision-making ability.
How might we not always recruit the most credentialed individuals for our cause but consider their ability to help our enterprise navigate demanding decisions?
Many a child has heard or seen the tale of The Grinch. The Grinch’s appearance during the holiday season is almost guaranteed in certain countries.
What if our childhood pre-dates the 1957 creation of the Grinch? Or what if we had a different version narrated in our culture? What might have preceded this green icon of emotional transformation? Other stories of gratitude and reclamation of one’s soul were ubiquitous. From biblical to fables, the parable of witnessing humankind in a new light is constant.
How might we avoid being resolved to one version of a narrative? How might we be open to other interpretations? How might portrayals from others add value to our journey instead of challenging our core beliefs?
What-if-concepts 