17th April 2021
A few years ago, I wrote down two questions before meeting with a friend for coffee. He is one of the most creative people I know, a designer and an engineer with a wicked sense of humour.
The questions had been turning over in my mind for awhile. Over coffee, he took each question and shared honestly how he felt about them. It was one of the most enjoyable times I have ever spent, one-on-one with a friend looking ahead …
They are very simple questions:
Looking ahead, what is:
- Your most interesting or exciting thing to look forward to (preferably on the near-term horizon) ?
- What is your greatest challenge or difficulty facing you now (or approaching on the near-term horizon) ?
Since that time, I have shared these same two questions with many other people. Some I knew well, some were new acquaintances. Almost every time, the questions have guided us through some fascinating discussions.
Sometimes, they open up some painful places that were ready to talk through. More often, they have made us realise just how many opportunities were in front of us. In this time of change both during and after COVID-19, when nothing is remotely “normal“, we all need to think more creatively and optimistically about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Next installment: Brainstorming …
The Rockweather Collaboration 