Our team had spent months meticulously planning an event. Four intense meetings, filled with brainstorming, debate, and eventual agreement, culminated in a seemingly solid implementation plan. By the third week, momentum was building, excitement was palpable, and everything appeared to be under control. However, as often happens, unforeseen challenges arose. Key team members became unavailable, impacting our retargeting strategy. A collaborating organization shifted their event date, creating a direct conflict. And to compound matters, every suitable venue within our budget was booked for the next four weeks. Suddenly, the carefully laid plans began to unravel. The team’s confidence waned, replaced by apprehension and anxiety.
This experience underscores the essential elements of successful project execution: planning, preparation, teamwork, a clear mission and vision, specific time-bound goals, and consistent action. We had addressed these, yet something was missing. This project highlighted a crucial seventh element: “Throw it around and see it grow.”
We were fixated on a “perfect” launch – the ideal venue, a comprehensive program, a date free of conflicts, and sufficient funding. But the pursuit of perfection became a roadblock. Our preferred venues were unavailable due to other events, and the remaining options were beyond our budget. Faced with these constraints, the event team, understandably, decided to call it off. The months of planning seemed to have been in vain.
However, I proposed a different approach: abandon the pursuit of immediate perfection and embrace the power of community. The idea was to launch the concept, even without all the pieces in place, and allow it to evolve organically. It was a risk, but with time on our side, we decided to proceed.
The results were remarkable. The community embraced the idea, offering venue suggestions we hadn’t considered. We secured a great location at a reasonable price. Volunteers emerged, eager to contribute, even expressing interest in leading future events. Local businesses, upon hearing about our initiative, offered sponsorships.
What had initially seemed impossible began to fall into place organically. Our role shifted from orchestrating every detail to simply launching the idea and letting it take its course. Had we waited for everything to be perfect, the event might never have happened.
This experience provided invaluable lessons:
- The Power of Network: A strong network of like-minded individuals is essential for generating ideas and finding support. Rinsing an idea with this network allows it to be refined and strengthened.
- Plan B Emerges: A backup plan isn’t always necessary from the outset. Often, solutions emerge organically as the idea circulates and information is exchanged.
- From Dream to Action: Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Move from “I think, I dream, I wish” to “I think, I plan, I launch.” Early action can be more effective than endless planning.
- Value of Every Contribution: Leadership isn’t confined to a few. Everyone has valuable insights to offer. Smaller contributions can collectively build something significant.
- Navigate Negativity: Some will try to discourage you. Focus on those who offer support and encouragement.
- Embrace the Flow: Sometimes, the best approach is to “go as far as you can see, and when you get there – you will see further.”
The “throw it around and see it grow” principle proved to be more than just a catchy phrase; it was a game-changer. By releasing our idea into the wild, we tapped into a collective intelligence that generated solutions and resources we never could have imagined. It’s a strategy that can be applied to almost any project, especially in the dynamic environment of today’s collaborative world.