Static might be disruptive and aggravating. It can seize our attention and disrupt our regularly scheduled programs. It transforms how we perceive time. But, it might be the forerunner to a significant event or tectonic shift. How might we remain curious about moments of misalignment and uncertainty? How might we remember that those who came to the edge of the Grand Canyon or trekked into Yellowstone’s Geyser Basin felt doubtful until something unprecedented emerged?
If you want to occupy the leading edge, you may need to sacrifice the safety of fertile ground and followers. You might need to position yourself on a precipice or shoreline, prepared to weather the most significant impact of storms and the scarcity of reliable resources. You may not thrive. But you are remarkable. Of all the photos I took on a recent backpack trip, only two focused on a singular tree as the primary subject. In both cases, each tree existed closer to the improbable than the safety of the forest. Tens of thousands of trees and yet two occupied the landscape in a way that required capturing for future consideration.
When we add a superlative to a name, it raises expectations. If we have created something worthy of an exclamation, we should celebrate. If it is a facsimile of average work, then the superlatives will not cover the obvious gaps.
How might the descriptions of our work increase authenticity and trust among our fans?
Are you seen?
Who do you see?
How do you process what you have witnessed? Does it inspire, does it distract, does it deter, does it confuse?
Most of us want to be seen by somebody who believes what we believe. We want the tribe to benefit from our work and inspire those on a similar journey. Being viewed is often enough to keep us committed to climbing our selected route.
The FAA established Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC). They where not all created at once but they attempt to reflect the volume of flights and major airports that exist within each region. As general aviation pilots or plane spotting enthusiast we might have some depth of understanding as to why certain border exists. However, the genral public probably does not see the immediate rational. When in-flight, it is not obvious that our commercial flight has been handed off from one center to another (unless the air traffic control audio is made available). We assume this works like a trail being routed onto the right tracks when it leaves a large train station.
What systems in our enterprise works like the ARTCC? Which need explanation to those we serve and which ones operate in the background and provide social benefit without being highlighted?
When is a piece of infrastructure more than its utilitarian function? When do we deem a structure to be remarkable or notable? Tower Bridge in London is one of many bridges on the River Thames. It is not the only one with history, royal initials, and adjoining key landmarks. Yet, this bridge is viewed more as an iconic part of the city than a functional crossing over water.
What, if any, parts of your organization achieve ‘more than’ status?
What is the difference between being an icon and being famous? Today, I saw a YouTube star while I was visiting a museum. The YouTuber has interviewed some of the most popular athletes and celebrities. I would consider them famous. A short walk from the art institute, I saw a mural of William Shakespeare. I would suggest that he is famous and iconic.
What is your definition of the two terms? What does the Venn diagram look like if we mapped out the two terms?
A relative’s daughter transferred to a new High School this year. She is joining as ‘the new student,’ trying to navigate the complexities of teenage networks. After her first day, friends from her previous High School texted her to ask how the day had gone and about her experience. To me, this is the best of humanity, looking out for others as we aspire to be forces for good.
A recurring question from social sector organizations is, ‘Why have a strategic plan?’ Their typical barriers list include time, resources, frustration with the process, lack of engagement, failure of past plans, etc. I respond with counter-points and shifting mindset possibilities. However, I changed my focus the other day, advocating that these plans are for those we serve. They represent a hat tip, a shout-out, and an ‘I see you’ text to our community. It is a promise that we value their presence, and here are our best ideas to serve each of them. It is an opportunity to offer a point of confluence, a shared journey forward, but it only works if they have a seat in the boat to help us paddle around the next bend.
What if your next plan adopted the perspective of a shout-out to those you serve, reminding them of the miles traveled together and the opportunity to craft a narrative for what will come? What if it is as simple as texting your fans, ‘We see you. Thank you for being with us. Will you join us as we strive onwards?’
What are the benefits and residual impacts of our work output? When we look at the light pollution map, we see where the man-made illumination has the most radiance and which parts still retain dark sky characteristics. There are now Dark Sky Reserves dedicated to preserving regions from human-produced lighting.
What did you glance at that was exceptional, but you were unable to witness (or capture) the entirety of the event? A shooting star? A retreating grizzly bear? The first moments of an unforgettable keynote? An iconic board member who is finishing their term just as you start your service? A glimpse of the impact bestowed by the first year of a transformational grant?
Glances are helpful since they furnish a picture of what is possible. They may not be sustainable or ordinary, but they set the conditions for developing a vision for the future. How might we use glances to inform our current and future efforts? How might a glance be the beacon to which we orient?
What-if-concepts 