Are You a Pilot or an Engineer?
In many of the businesses in which I consult and work with there is a them, “We are building this airplane as we are driving it down the runway.” This has become the mantra of American businesses and the American way of life. But, it hasn’t always been the way in this country and it isn’t necessarily the way business is conducted in every other nation of the world.
Did you know there is a train track that crosses Alps that was built before a train existed that was capable of making such a crossing?
That, to me, is a tremendous act of faith. The same type of faith required to build any successful venture. In fact, every person who begins building a blog with the intention of creating a business presence or helping others has undertaken just such a leap of faith.
It takes an incredible amount of faith and an extremely optimistic mindset to devote hours to the conceptualization of a web page. The effort is redoubled by the intense work required to design the layout, structure the monetization plan and make this concept taken from an idea in your head to a visual representation which is published for all to view, critique and criticize. The journey does not end at that point, in fact the journey never ends, it continues ever onward as you daily create material to offer to those who come to your site for useful insight and resource. It is daunting.
As you can see, it is not a task well suited to one who tries building the airplane as it taxis down the runway toward takeoff. Instead it is more like the construction of a railroad track across a terrain so inhospitable the the engine that can traverse it has not even been built yet.
Imagine how much all the more is required to choose a plan of direction for your life to pursue.
I am trying to adjust my thinking along the same lines. I found that I was hectically trying to build readership by doing things that I thought would bring a fast audience. In doing so, I may have lost sight of my reason for building in the first place, to share what I felt would be of a help to others.
The analogy could be drawn to the motel bible. It’s there. In the night stand. It often goes unnoticed until it is needed. But, when it is needed it is strong and dependable. I am doing my best to make certain Elemental Truths is here for you, strong and dependable.
What about you? Are you a barnstorming pilot or an long sighted engineer?
January 8th, 2008 at 3:08 am
A question at that - one of the downsides of many engineers is the lack of long-sighted vision to think of building such a railroad, even if they are perfectly stubborn and passionate enough to build it once the concept is in their head. What are your thoughts on how to find inspiration?
January 8th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hi GC,
I’ve always had the most success with the following model.
1.Identifying the specific issues my planning will address.
2. Clarify the roles of everyone neccessary for mission success.
3. Identify the information needed for informed planning.
4. Assess the overall situation (where does progress need to be made).
5. Develop stategies, goals and objectives.
5. Put it in writing.
6. Put it in action.