Light is considered essential. However, shadows provide depth and dimension to our work. If we capture our creation with the right balance of light and shade, we might add appreciation and better comprehension of our efforts.
Shade
Remarkable
Archeology
If we participate in archeology, gaining a spotlight for our work is formidable. We are as remarkable as the people/objects/history that preceded us and occupied the space where we excavate. If we find something never cataloged before, we can draw much attention. However, our site and work can diminish in significance when an older or more preserved version of our find is discovered elsewhere.
If we are committed to doing the work that matters, we may need to be comfortable making meaningful contributions rather than generating headlines. If we are in it for the glory, then we must be willing to sacrifice long-term gains for short-term attention.
Original Cast
If you are a member of the traveling cast in the Broadway mega-hit Hamilton, how do you benefit from the DNA embedded by the original cast? With multiple productions worldwide, there are some links back to the original cast members who developed the characters and added depth and dimension to the songs. If you play King George III in a current production, you can trace nuisances to Jonathan Groff, the original performer portraying the Broadway King George. Your performance is calibrated in some measure based on the first iteration.
How might we recognize that when we join a cause, we have some connection to the original cast who started the enterprise? How might we benefit from their insights and add our own perspective as we build the best version of the cause? What transitive properties from the founders have cascaded to your work?
Our Castle
What is the castle that you occupy? Is it a structure, an idea, a way of being, access to certain rights, or a relationship?
How might we understand that we cannot govern all the terrain before us but contribute to a confluence? We can help those seeking input to navigate and succeed on their journey.
Comprehension
Remarkable Ideas
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Making It Possible
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Being of Service
But They Have Never Seen…
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?
Skill Sets
Even those considered the best at their position can maximize their skill sets and leverage the system they inhabit. We can play the same position by name but our specific talents determine our role.
Recasting Ubitquitous
There are words, events, and places we encounter daily. They almost become blind spots as we travel through our daily routines. Then somebody comes along and reframes the familiar. We see it differently even when it is embedded in our routines.
Scale
We see things as we understand them until we are provided with a unique perspective or context. A pigeon in a city is almost universal. A pigeon statue named Dinosaur on the High Line in New York City takes on a distinct dimension.
How might we provide context for our work? Otherwise, it may be diminished or expanded to the most common form.
We the People
Dedicated to serving others, perhaps start with the perspective of ‘we.’ A marching band of one person might be unique but likely limited in their capabilities. If we work together, we can achieve a level of performance and impact that might not be available to those who focus on their individual status. Even if the stadium is not full, we deliver for those who are looking to engage with what we have to offer.
What-if-concepts 