As I listened to a mentee talked about our last conversation and what he had taken away from it, I was struck by the magnitude of his aspiration. He wanted to realize success in a large market through innovation and creativity. While admirable, the sheer size of the challenge is overwhelming. His potential target market is measured in 100s of millions. His competitors are many and varied – local, international, fair minded and devious at best (evil at worst). The list of potential alternative solutions was more than I can count and the list constantly changing.
The challenge could overwhelm anyone. Given the odds, if he could see what I could see, I doubt he would start. On the other hand, I can see other mission impossible challenges through the mirror of success, so there is no reason to discourage the aspiration! Instead, I reminded him and myself of the following.
Find a great team and work to make them even greater. One always needs another, ideally a few more than that. Start with individuals that have different insights, abilities, and passions. Identify shared values and passions. Create a mutually owned and shaped vision of the collective dream. There will be disagreement; when they occur, come back to the core and nurture the bonds that bring you together.
Always strive to be open and curious. Different points of view are more than differences. Each is an opportunity for you to see more. They are windows into a different perspective and potential doors to improving the possibility of success.
Look and embrace every opportunity to learn. It may not be easy or natural but it will help you and your community achieve what others cannot.
To the individuals in my life that have given me these lessons, thank-you! Your inspiration, faith, and passion continues to be an inspiration. In so many ways, you “worked marvels in that spiritual wasteland, miracles in the Land of Ham.” (Psalm 105.27) You make the impossible possible.
As I think of today’s impossible opportunities, my reaction is the next step; who can help.
