"Any idea worth growing should always be planted!" - Futurist Jim Carroll
From small ideas, big things can grow!
That's what I was thinking about yesterday as I spent time with my long-time friend Marc Jeftovic. He's the CEO of easyDNS, a tech company that, well, helps you manage your DNS (or domain name service setup.) It might not sound like a service like that involves much, but I can tell you it's an extremely important one - and one that his company excels at. In fact, from its humble beginnings in the 90s, it's become one of the major players in this space in the world.
Some years ago, Mark planted the seeds of an idea in my mind. I didn't chase the opportunity at that time, because I wasn't quite receptive to it, but the thought did take root in the recesses of my mind. Some years later, when I needed to challenge myself to take on a new role, the tiny seed of an idea bloomed, and today, it is fully grown. That experience has taught me a lot about the role of mentoring, leadership, and guidance.
Every great idea needs to be planted, solidly and firmly as a foundation for a future of growth. Every great opportunity that might spark a new solution needs a wick that might one day be lit. Every wonderful potential future should be shared so that it can be carefully nurtured to its full potential. Every single concept needs planting so that it might eventually be harvested. Every single challenge needs to be fully faced to move it from opportunity to thread. Every significant problem needs the fertilizer of innovative thinking so that it might one day be solved.
One of the most important things you might ever do with what you do, how you think, and the mindset you carry about with you is to plan that idea as a seed within the minds of others. Our role as innovators and leaders is to challenge people to discard their old reality so that they might discover a new one. We should inspire people with a goal that involves a better future if only they might find a pathway to get there.
We should instill in people a growth mindset, sharing with them the steps that they can take to achieve that growth.
All of us have something to share, and we should share it with others when we can, even if we aren't quite sure that they will take up the thought we present to them. Ideas can be living, breathing things that, when properly nurtured, can grow from a small concept into a massive idea for growth.
In my case, my good friend Mark planted the seed of an idea that today, is fully grown. It's up to me to now ensure it thrives, grows, and stays healthy!
Thanks, Mark!
Mark Jeftovic was featured in one of Jim's books way back in 1994.