Some people look at nothing and see nothing, while others look at nothing and see what could be.
This past summer we canceled our traditional week of camp. We decided our best bet was to pivot and do something different.
The news that we were canceling was not well received, and I was not surprised. Based on my own sadness and disappointment (the first time I haven’t gone away to camp in somewhere around 30 years!), I completely understood.
Then came the leadership opportunity. Mourning our loss could not be the end. We desired something to celebrate. So I went to the white board with our interns.
Because I could see the writing on the wall in May, a backup plan found roots before we made the official call. But, as I’ve written before, I’m great at thinking up new ideas, but sometimes struggle to execute.
Enter the principle of the Horizon of Possibility. Simply put, a good leader is able to look at what is and see what could be–the Horizon of Possibility.
My goal with our camp alternative was to bring the best parts of camp to us. And throughout the week, we got comment after comment about how well it went.
This isn’t bragging on my prowess, because it didn’t happen because of me–there were lots of people making it happen and making it great.
But, it started with my own ability to see the Horizon of Possibility. To look at a lost summer, and see what could be, and then to mobilize people to help execute the future.
What “nothing” is staring you in the face today? What do you see on the Horizon?