Are you building partnerships that rely on compression or tension? Are you squeezing (shortening) or stretching (elongating) through your work together? Are your partners working on the same strategy? How might we build remarkable programs amplified by the key members’ strengths?
What destination have you selected? What direction are you currently headed? Sometimes, we must head opposite our destination, but we are still on course. During the New Year’s resolution phase of the calendar, it can feel that we have planned poorly; however, do not confuse destination and direction. If the journey is a priority, we deploy our wayfinding skills to keep moving, even when the best route suggests we revisit paths already traveled.
Have you had a moment when you were ‘way out there?’ So far out that the edge is visible. You occupy the liminal space of your known world. What did you feel, experience, see? Our most defining work takes place ‘way out there.’ Perhaps we should commit to the next expedition to that quadrant.
Somebody already accomplished their 2024 goal! Somebody already failed to achieve their 2024 goal.
If we take an infinite mindset, still being in the game is the goal. We may have the most, least, or occupy the busy middle, but we are still playing the game, and that is the work that matters.
Is the New Year a chance to celebrate what just took place or an opportunity to revel in plans for the future? What is your mindset on the New Year?
When I see a well-stocked wood pile, it makes a statement. Somebody decided there was a future need, and their future journey required additional resources. They cut, split, stacked, and secured sufficient reserves to assist their planned itinerary. I am optimistic about their future.
When I see an under-resourced group, I wonder what decisions were made? Was it a lack of knowledge, a sense of assurance that rescue is certain if needed, a lack of planning, or circumstances?
I feel that end-of-the-year philanthropy is a mixed effort to add fuel to the journey. Some resources may be used as a buffer for challenging times, some may be burned immediately to keep the doors open, and some accumulate without a plan.
What if we prioritized our contributions to those causes that asked directly or those that we have invested in with our time, talent, and touch? What if we did not always show up out of habit and tradition with a cord of firewood each winter? Would it change relationships and the course of the social sector?
How do you respond to the end-of-year appeals? How do you evaluate the level of need for these causes?
When the next section of the trail is obscure, it makes the journey remarkable. The wind, misting rain, racing clouds, and mud add depth and dimension. It makes the days with a highly visible trail more memorable.
To be of service, we must embrace the role of a trusted intermediary. We position ourselves to optimize the journey for those who travel a segment of the route we specialize in navigating. When done authentically and with generosity, the shared journey is remarkable. When our intentions are transactional, the journey goes off track or leads to a dead end. None of us like to experience inferior services for the benefit of those presenting themselves as competent guides.
How might we consistently remain curious and develop a culture of improvement so we do not stagnate and calibrate to the lowest common denominator?
Who has been a remarkable force for good in supporting your wayfinding journey? What if you communicated your appreciation during the holiday season? Unscripted moments of gratitude are often the most impactful.
“You just have to look at the data over history to understand that nothing is changing regarding global warming.” Then, my seatmate shared a graph on their iPad. A quick Google search revealed that the image was considered one of the most misrepresented global temperature graphics from 2015 (note the Y axis ranges from -10 to 110 degrees F). A quick Google search revealed a different version.
This is not a debate over global warming trends or historical temperature fluctuations. It is a reminder that presented data can lack fidelity and immediately generate an emotional response. We feel shame or inadequacy that we did not know such a central fact when, in reality, the fact is not really what it appears.
How might we remain curious despite the headlines we encounter? How might we read more, ask better questions, and seek other resources before reaching our own conclusions? Other people may have traveled the same route, but their experience does not mean that we have to serve as their proxy.
What-if-concepts 