There is a lot of talk about being on the "cutting edge" of things -- new media, for the purposes of this conversation. As I think about it though, if you're that far out in front of everyone else it tends to be kind of messy doesn't it?
Our constituents and stakeholders often want programs to be on the cutting edge, but I it's probably more productive (and honest) to refer to that edge as ragged. Things aren't always going to work perfectly and there's some risk involved. Plowing new ground is rarely a clean process.
But, if the people involved and those who could be involved are game for some new thinking and accepting that there will be roadblocks and some bumps along the way, the payoff is going to be bigger -- and the whole process is going to be more exciting. I love working with groups or "clients" (yes, we use that word) who are willing to be the first with a new technology or program because they have confidence that we know what we're doing AND they know that there will probably be a few glitches, but that's where the really good stuff happens -- that's where we get to think creatively, problem solve, and often come up with a solution that far outpaces what we could have done with traditional thinking.
The point is that messy can be strategic.
Comments