After viewing the Youtube video, A Tale of Power and Vision, reflect on your organization or a past organization. In a well-written post to your Reflection Blog, describe a situation from your organizational life that was similar to the situation from the video. Describe the situation in detail making sure to discuss how the organization was able to work through the difficulties to enable real change to occur.
I remember a time when we were working on an annual event called "Fall Fest." For the first time, we were going to allow members of the local community to come on base and participate. There were substantial security and safety concerns. Many people thought it would not be possible.
In many ways, the obstacle we faced could be viewed similarly to that of the "insurmountable" cliff displayed within the video. Suddenly, I found myself in charge of coordinating how it would all work. The pessimists all ensured me that it could not even be done and that it would be better for me to just give up then go through the "useless" effort. Other co-workers, pragmatists shall we say, said that it might be possible but they did not really know how.
What I needed in my life was some power and vision. I needed somebody who would not only encourage me by saying that it could in fact be done but who could also provide some concrete advice on how to get there. Ultimately, I spoke with the host nation advisor. He assured me that not only was it possible, but he would help me along the way. Although I came with a vision, he provided the power I needed to get the job done.
Ultimately, we secured the help of the foreign base command and received their approval. Additionally, pass and ID was willing to make timeline exceptions to how long and with what formality it would normally take to get somebody on-base. Although cars could not be brought on, everybody made it and had a good time.
In reflection, it seems that one must not allow pessimists and pragmatists to overrule their ability to believe in something and accomplish the mission. One may have the best vision, but it never hurts to seek out a little help and advice. That is where power comes in handy. Watching the video really helped me to understand and clarify these issues, especially within the context of my own life experience. These are lessons I will not soon forget.
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