Similar, But Different…

I just finished recording a video chronicling a conversation I had with a good friend.

We spent an hour discussing leadership and management problems centered on vision, obstacles, focus, and desire. And, a serious disagreement he was having with a principal in the business about what the company should look like and feel like in the future. I was amazed at how much of the content of my book, Misfire: What to Do When Things Aren’t Running on All Cylinders applied to the challenges he shared with me. Content that could be applied instantly and could make a profound and immediate difference.

He traced his frustration directly to his associate’s inability and unwillingness to see a different and much more powerful future. His associate desired that future. That was clear enough. But it was equally clear the discipline, determination, and focus to make that happen was missing.

I shared something with him that I’ll share with you because much of what we talked about applies not only to his business but to the current crisis we’re facing right now. We’ve faced every challenge we’re confronted with — At one time or another — In some way or another. Everything that’s happening is similar to something we’ve experienced that we’ve already been through.

Similar, but different.

Different because nothing we’re likely to face is exactly what it once was. It can’t be because everything is constantly changing!

The future is constantly unfolding. It will never be what it once was. It can’t. But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from that past and take those lessons into an unknowable future. A future that is sure to be similar, but different!