What To Lose To Build Capacity

This is a follow-up post to, “More Space and Less Things“. 

After reading ‘More Space and Less Things’ Ed Ramsami from Shift The Future posed the question, “What do we need to get rid of?” Not an easy question to answer, however, here’s my attempt.

Getting more ‘space’ or reducing the number of things in the present ‘space’ can create capacity. Getting more “space” is dependent on context. It could include getting more hands on deck. This can mean getting consultants or more volunteers. You might need to get new information and skill through training or study.

Capacity building challenges go beyond training. In fact, before you consider training you must start by seeing what you need to lose. Some learning is pointless if you haven’t created the right environment for it.

The obvious answer to what you need to lose in building capacity is, “anything that’s in the way of you getting greater”. Not helpful at all. This is a response, not an answer.

This is what you need to lose to build capacity:

This Way

Be willing to let go of how you used to do things. In fact, you may even need to forget how you’re doing things now. Clutter is often the result of the old we’re unwilling to let go. Don’t stifle possible capacity building by hoarding. Hoarders drag everything from the past into the future.

Some things from the past are necessary for the present and future. Not all.

The present is a result of the past. However, it is naive to think that everything from the past I necessary for the present and future. This includes how you used to things. The tried and tested are not helpful when you make them sacred.

If you want to build capacity for the greater, hold every means very lightly. No method is sacred for innovators. Lose how you used to do things for how you need to do things.

Sloth

Lose the laziness. Reluctance has and will never enable capacity building. Diligence should occupy the space of all laziness. You have all the tools for capacity. Shiftlessness crowds and stifles getting greater. It takes up all space and obliterates possibility of creating more.

Not doing anything to build your capacity is paving your road to irrelevance.

Light

Travel light. You have to ask yourself and your team constantly whether what you have is what you need to get to where you’re going. Leaders and teams are responsible for keeping the ‘So That‘ in front.

As leader, you must always question how everything fits in. Guard the culture necessary for innovation and longevity of your vision.

What other things do you need to lose to build capacity?

[image by evokilla | cc]