There is a something missing from many corporate strategies. As I listened to a pitch it occurred to me that there was no evidence that this strategy could work. While it sounded good with current buzz phrases, pictures that one could imagine, and desirable outcomes, there was nothing to make it credible. I could not think of a single competitor, even a want to be competitor that had taken the proposed approach. As I reflected on different industries and business models, I struggled to find anything that was comparable. There could be a link, however on the day I could not find it.
The response on the day was very positive by those around me. I sat quietly, wondering what they could see that I could not. I have yet to understand and so the reflection continues.
The presenter was sincere and filled with clear, transparent intent. He believed. He was committed. He was listening to the feedback, respectfully engaged in the dialogue that followed.
The momentum of the presentation was a factor. The logic, completeness, and content were compelling. Most were buying, not questioning.
There was one element that was missing, action. The company was not acting this was now, nobody was. The individuals had not formed a test group to experiment. The ideas and proposal were new.
The lack of action was my greatest worry. When there is experiencial evidence, it is easy to fall into David’s comment; “Say of God, ‘we’ve never seen anything like him!’ When your enemies see you in action, they slink off like scolded dogs.” (Psalm 66.3) Without it, it is an empty promise that one is betting everything on
I love proof points, even if there are thin and stretched. Great ideas have threads that tie themselves to things that work. Compelling propositions mirror working examples. When one can experience ideas and propositions confidence builds. It may still be an act of faith, but it rests on something! Life likes to remind me that putting my effort and resources behind an idea works best with a foundation.
