When we elevate, we gain a distinct perspective. We might see things in a manner that has eluded us previously. The layout of our world might reveal connections and corridors that we had not thought were possible from ground level.
How might we make time to gain altitude and assess the terrain we occupy and that which lays ahead?
When we add relief to a map, it adds depth and dimension to our understanding of the landscape. When we plan on paper, it is easy to draw a straight line between our current position and our future. The reality is we often forget to add the relief for a better understanding of the terrain we will encounter.
There are ambitious goals, and then there are plans that overcome our comprehension. If I told you I was going to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail (Mexico to Canada), you might be able to fathom that feat. If you happen to live trail adjacent, you might even offer to assist me with food, a shower, or a place to stay. If I told you I was going to circumnavigate the globe on foot five times and I planned to walk past your house in five years, you might offer assistance but you may also kindly suggest we talk when the time gets closer. We can support what we can comprehend, but if overwhelmed, we do not know where to start.
The plans we share with our fans might be best if they are ambitious and daunting but relevant enough that our fans can find a point of confluence.
Almost all the blog posts on the What-if-Concepts website contain a photo, and with rare exceptions, the photos are original. I often wonder if the photos add to or subtract from the content. I like to believe they add depth and dimension to the text that follows.
How might we understand the impact of our work, both the elements and the finished product? How might we engage our audience to discover what needs to be amplified and what distracts? And, how might we, as the artist, author, and curator, preserve our integrity, regardless of what the data suggests?
Perception is what we see. Perspective is how we interpret the information.
How do we use the generative mode of thinking to embrace both our perceptions and perspectives? If an outcome relies on making a decision, then we prioritize perspective. If we are working in a broader mindset, we benefit from both.
How might a forecast change your priorities? What if the forecast is inaccurate? What if the forecast is fifty percent of the actual event, will you have bandwidth in your priorities to adjust?
How might we evaluate the forecast but leave room for wayfinding when real-time events present a different reality than the prediction?
If we proceed at river speed, our ability to navigate is minimal. If we paddle faster or slower (against the current), our ability to make significant maneuvers is greatly increased. Go for the ride when you can, it nice to be swept along by the current. However, if we need to take action or move across the river body, then adding power may be the most effective way to navigate.
How might we toggle between the river current and paddling with power in our own work?
Who is your guide to navigating the terrain ahead? Who can interpret the spaces and blank spots on the map? Roadside attractions are easier to reach with their interpretative signs and pullouts. The landscapes that lack features often test our wayfinding skills the most. How might we prepare for the isolated and desolated sections of our journey with as much care as we commit to reaching the iconic summits?
It is convenient to see a commercial airplane as a uniform piece of aviation equipment. However, focusing only on the control surfaces adds depth and dimension to our understanding of all the possible inputs that impact operations.
How might we illustrate the control surfaces of our own enterprises without overwhelming our audience? Super fans might desire more information, but casual observers might be better served with a more basic orientation. How might we decode our work to build a better understanding of the expertise it takes to keep our organization aloft?
Just because you have a key, it may not be the right one for the vehicle you are trying to start. If you have a template/framework/idea/donor/board member/network from another cause does not mean it will work for your current enterprise. The right key and the right vehicle are essential to initiate your journey. Just as the right resource must match the culture and needs of the organization you intend to serve.
What-if-concepts 