Think BIG, fear mediocracy

I am a firm believer in thinking big. When ‘big’ is not perceived as daunting or challenging, but rather as a reflection of its potential, your perspective shifts.

Do not fear to think big. Fear mediocrity, fear wasted time, and fear stagnation.

Several years ago, we initiated a groundbreaking project at Microsoft. The concept felt big, poised to revolutionize our customer interactions and partner matching processes. It promised significant revenue growth and, more importantly, increased satisfaction for both customers and partners.

The project encompassed various elements, yet its implementation appeared straightforward. The projected return on investment was highly favorable, and the only requirement was a modest budget to set the project in motion. Consequently, I began to pitch the idea to potential stakeholders who might be interested in financing the project. At that time, I was still working in the local Dutch subsidiary. The project was well-received, but unfortunately, the necessary funds were not available.

Nonetheless, we assembled a small team to start preparatory work in anticipation of securing the budget. We initiated the process of matching customer profiles with solutions, solutions with partners, and customers with potential partners. As we continued our preparations, we persistently pitched the idea across Western Europe, EMEA, and even to the executives at the headquarters. However, the timing was off, and we were unable to secure any funding.

One day, I received a message from a corporate representative who had identified a small budget that could be allocated to our project. When such opportunities arise, you must act at gazelle speed, as other teams may also be seeking funding. I had finally secured the budget!

Unexpectedly, we encountered a significant obstacle that led to the project’s failure, immediately on the first dry run. Failure.

A colleague later asked me if I felt embarrassed, having promoted the idea to anyone willing to listen, convincing many people of its potential, only to fail shortly after securing the funding. My response was a resolute “No.”

As Gary Keller once said, “It’s about bold ideas that might threaten your comfort zones but simultaneously reflect your greatest opportunities. Believing in big frees you to ask different questions, follow different paths. This opens the door to possibilities that until now only lived inside you.” On the journey to think big, you gain new insights and learnings, and as a result, everyone grows.

I havent figured it all out. I'm learning something new almost every day. I firmly believe in a learn-it-all mindset all while creating as much value as I can to myself and others. This series of blogs is created to share some of my personal believes, learnings and insights in the hope it might help or inspire you in both your personal- and professional lives.

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- Michel