Launch

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy famously proclaimed that “”I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”   In both a historical and business context, this statement exemplifies a bold vision.  President Kennedy did not detail all the required technical steps to achieve the goal.  Most of the technical details had yet to be developed.  Ironically, he did not live to see his vision‘s launch.  But, as a leader he clearly stated an enormous vision that he fully intended to achieve. The United States of America was going to launch a rocket to the moon  and return!

History tells us that in 1969, Apollo 11 launched, landed on the moon and safely returned thereby accomplishing that vision.  By 2010 having a vision resulting in a launch is almost a cliché, particularly in the business realm.  According to the US Small Business Association, annually over 600,000 new businesses move from idea to launch.  As a result of this high level of entrepreneurship, it is no wonder that launches are so prevalent in our cultural vocabulary.

But, look at the details that go into a launch.  An idea, then a bold statement, is just the start. Beginning the process does not necessarily require scientific committees, congressional hearings or press conferences as in the case of President Kennedy.  The initial idea can be conceiving a better software application, tastier recipes, a new literary character, or a better way to serve a group in need.  And, the bold statement does not even have to be audible.  It can be a marketing campaign, a written public proclamation, or a personal commitment to change.  Simply put, the bold statement must initiate action.

The launch, on the other hand, is difficult!  A successful launch has to escape the gravitational pull of self-doubt, fear, naysayers, resource limitations and/ or generally accepted physical laws.  After defying both human and physical nature, the launch requires execution.  It does not require flawless execution.  In the case of a bold vision, the details are not predetermined.  You make the plan as you go.  When Lewis & Clark pursued their vision to reach the west coast, there was no Mapquest to guide them, nor I-80 to drive, not even a creepy service station attendant to warn them about the locals.  They had no path to follow!  In launching a powerful vision, there is only execution.  If you do not return then you obviously failed.

Essentially a launch demands intentional and aggressive action.  Purpose and passion are key ingredients.  A Word from the Voice has launched.  It is attached to a vision; it is attached to a purpose.  What are you launching?  What ideas requires purposeful and passionate action?  What force of nature will you escape to execute your launch?  When will you land on the moon and return safely?
-The Voice

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