Start the Process

A new project can be intimidating or energizing. One of my frequent comments in business settings is "It's easier to be an editor than an author".  An open-ended written query, "What do you think", doesn't always solicit the quality and quantity of responses we'd hope to receive.  Colleagues who will readily offer suggestions in a meeting or brainstorming session become silent when asked to put their ideas in writing.  Often, offering a written position and asking for feedback increases the quality and quantity of our responses, because we've eliminated writer's block and allowed our colleagues to become editors rather than authors.

World's Longest Sudoku - Finished!

I set a goal to complete The World's Longest Sudoku Puzzle by August 15.  Today, 4 weeks ahead of schedule, I finished the final puzzle!  With our need for instant gratification, it feels good to plan and complete a long-term project.  And I hope that these 8,929 correct answers in the 167 interlocking puzzles will help keep my brain young. 

Living through Construction

We are so programmed to deliver a finished product that we may miss a critical opportunity to differentiate enhancements. In our "deliver 100% solutions environment" we may do a dis-service to our friends, colleagues and constituents when we don't show our constituents that progress is painful.

As a consequence of Hurricane Ike, each day I travel 6 miles on one of Houston's most traveled major thoroughfares - Westheimer. A major reconstruction project incorporates 9 miles for this critical transportation artery. I travel between Loop 610 and Beltway 8. The construction project extends 3 miles west of my destination.

The reconstruction of Westheimer has been a challenge. However, each new lane mile of reconstruction brings terrific improved mobility. If the project had been completed instantaneously, all of the regular commuters might have taken the project improvements for granted. Since we've lived through the progress, we can, will and do appreciate the improvements.

I think this sometimes happens in business as we strive to make things transparent for our clients and colleagues. Given the road construction example, perhaps we need to illuminate for others the process we go through to achieve substantial improvements, rather than just providing turn-key enhancements.

Though living through construction is painful, it makes us vividly contrast the final improvements.

Anyone who has lived through a home renovation knows first-hand that the end result is worth it, but those who aren't familiar with the achievement obstacles aren't fully appreciative of the twists, turns, obstacles and delays that had to be endured to render a fabulous result.

Trials make us strong. Recognizing enhancements makes us vividly aware and appreciative.