Tales from the Front: Reset

Reset

Have you ever thought if the world would just stop and we could start over again, saying, "I wish we could do this?"

Have you ever wanted to have a time to roll out a new look or a new campaign so different, so radical, that you have never had the time to try it, but would?

Guess what? You have time.

I once proposed to a team I worked for to establish a team that would work one year ahead. One that could set trends instead of follow them. It was a radical idea, but one born of a need. The team was saying things are happening so fast that we are reacting to them, rather than looking at original ideas. The only way to get ahead was to work ahead, but no one had the time to do it.

So that idea you had that could never work? Maybe it’s time to get it out of the dream file and put it into the current project file. The fact is that when we come back, especially in sports, the world will be a different place. The stadiums that were automatic sellouts might not be that right off the bat. Yes, the hunger will be there, but will the mindset be? 

How can we tell the stories of the athletes in a way that seems appropriate? The stories of real life now have a place to live. The cribs and cars and other ego-centric profiles can become a love letter to the fans. Stories of heroes can become stories of humans. Your team or company story can become one of showing who you want to be, and truly are, rather than an illusion of something you think you should be.

I have an interview tomorrow where I am looking at the idea of presenting a series that is quite radical in that it goes to the heart of the story, rather than the image. It tells the backstory to help the current story make more sense. The realness of "who people are" will take the place of the image they portray. It means connecting the athletes with the fans in a closer way than ever before.

We have a once in a lifetime (so we all hope) opportunity to stop, breathe, and reset our thinking. The burnout can clear and the creative energy we are all wanting to present can take a very real mission of being better people, telling better stories, and writing ones we can relate to. Dare I say, in the name of Brené Brown, vulnerable? It is indeed a step of courage, one that I very much want to take.

So, here goes… a step into reality in a new reality. I’m ready.

This is the latest entry into a blog that chronicles my journey from layoff to new opportunity. The entries are done in real time. If you are looking, I hope the blog gives you inspiration. If you are hiring, my wish is to share what the journey is like from the other side. Thanks to all of you for being a part of my journey, and as always, thank you for reading.