The Big Picture
Think back to the projects you have been on. Have you ever seen someone jump to a solution before fully grasping the situation? Have you seen someone hold tight to their solution, while missing the larger picture?
Of course, you have. These events occur all the time. Yet they seem backwards. The question is how you avoid them?
It is a simple question, with a simple answer.
That is, next time you have a new problem or challenge, map the big picture first.
Start with your customers. Those whose lives you are trying to make better. Are they working behind a desk? Are they Watching TV, seeing the same promises over and over? Are they are commuting and spending lots of time in traffic? Does their life revolve around getting their child to school on time? Maybe they talk to others to gain insight into their challenges. And Maybe they share their thoughts and ideas on what they want to change.
Next, what are the economic realities of the world your customers live in. What are they spending their valuable resources on? How do they see their future in providing for those they care about?
What are the political factors? These often-hidden forces that seem to control the world they live in. How does this influence the partnerships they need to build for success? How does this color the world they see?
When it comes to the people you want to reach, what are the trends they see. What is holding them back from getting what they want.
Where is technology playing a part in their path for growth and sustainment.
With all of this, now you are starting to see a larger picture. A picture where you grasp the uncertainty your clients have in their lives. You have to understand it all. How they spend their time, the economic realities they face, the political factors influencing them, trends they see, and where technology can help. This enables you to understand the uncertainties and turmoil they see.
Understanding this and you begin to see your client’s world through their eyes. The goal to relieve the pains they see and remove the barriers they face. Do this and your clients will get what they want. And so, will you.