“We can gain experience from the past, but we can’t relive it”— George Harrison
We have seen these waterfalls many times. Yet, as we visited some of our local waterfalls on Sunday, it was as if we were exploring them all anew.
And of course, that was true. It is said you can never step in the same river twice. That is because it is a new river. And you are a new you.
One of the critical lessons to learn as an exceptional leader is that this truth of nature is also true in your work world.
Some leaders have had the experience of leading an important project that became a perfect combination of people, timing, and methodology and exactly suited the customer’s needs. It was a magical experience for the leader and those the leader led.
Later, to recapture that magic, they try to bring together the same elements hoping for the same outcome. They use the same methodology in the same way. They may even have many of the same people. But they find the whole thing disappointing in comparison.
Because, like the river, we never lead the same project twice.
As exceptional leaders, we must approach each project with fresh eyes. We must use our experience and the ingredients we have to forge a brand new success every time.
The secret ingredient of creating great projects is not looking to the the past you saw before. Instead, focus on creating the future you want to see.
Yours in the calm pursuit of excellence,
Alan Willett
