What if….? One simple question starts it all. And it is a question all of us have asked ourselves. Perhaps even hundreds of times. As a story consultant to large multinationals, I often put this question to my clients as a way to begin building the story foundation from which far-reaching strategies can come. “What if….” challenges us on many levels: creatively, emotionally and, of course, practically. Important conversations are started, teamwork grows, solutions are found, confidence surges … What if….
Recently I put this to a banking client who then (with assistance from a SpeakingEnergy workshop) came up with a comprehensive plan that will now be rolled out to regional offices. But their ‘what if’ solution doesn’t end there. Phase 2 is a global strategy that will eventually reach external customers and investors; a broad roll-out, with flexible, you guessed it, ‘what if’ potential. Revenue targets? Absolutely…and it all began with just 2 words.
All of us are impacted by “What if….” As I remind my clients, “If I relate, I will participate.” What if ‘what if’ was put to everyone inside your corporation…and what if the results surprised you if you did? Challenge your executives to create story scenarios and ideas around the ‘What if platform.’ Don’t “judge” those ideas until they have progressed into plans that have well thought through motives that can be easily articulated to the larger – generally distracted – group. What if….start asking, start discovering. Participation is easy – and it’s guaranteed…not if, but when.