I was given a book mark yesterday by one of my colleagues. It carried the following inscription.
Those who say it cannot be done…
Should not interrupt the person doing it.
(Ancient Chinese Proverb)
There’s no telling how the wisdom of China came to be on the bookmark, or yet still how to test the veracity of its origins in the short time since I read it.
However, I had been thinking about it through a couple of politically bumpy client meetings yesterday. Having a vision, having scoped alternative courses of action and begun the journey to realising your project, then there should come a time when the nay-sayers or constructive critiques about the original concept should fall gently away…I would wish to argue.
If your project has a sound ethical and inclusive focus, then you should remain true to your vision, realising that new enterprises, of whatever type, are difficult to begin, difficult to make happen and difficult to manage when they go live.
You need that period of buoyancy and enthusiasm in the start-up phase, untrammelled by the gloomy onlooker, to enable you to realise your successful outcomes.
My bookmark reflection led me to two conclusions today.
As an accidental serial entrepreneur in my own tiny corner of existence, I recognise that occasionally projects do fold in on themselves no matter how good your heart or muscular your approach.
I also chided myself for not saying any of the above during the meeting.
(I think there’s another blog entry in that last line too!)
Tim Smith
Partner at SmithMartin
