Comments on: What’s the Key to Launching a Project That’s Bigger Than You Ever Thought Possible?

By: Grace Chatting

Grace Chatting — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:14:17 +0000

I found this interview really inspiring and synchronistically timely. I have been working for many years in psychotherapy and coaching with individuals and couples, and doing good work.

With a background in Social Work and Social Policy I have an interest in those less fortunate. I am approaching 64 and have been giving thought to spending some of my time setting up a project for coaching women who are victims of domestic abuse.

I found it particularly helpful to be reminded to think Big, and also not to focus on the detail, but rather on what outcome I hope to achieve. I remember times in my life when I achieved what had seemed impossible, and had forgotten how to do that.

I was moved too with Roger being moved when he mentioned his wife’s project “Not For Sale” Wonderful. I felt very encouraged by that as it resonated with what I would like to do.

It was also a welcome reminder from Pam at the conclusion to remind us not to think, “oh well, that’s them, I couldn’t do anything as big as that”

Thanks Jim, Pam and Roger. I shall follow your work with interest.

By: Lubna Saira

Lubna Saira — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:37:44 +0000

Jim, here is a thought from a newcomer….what I found valuable in Roger’s story is how with everything going on that needs to be dealt with or your inability to do anything about it, he was able to question and discover what exactly is it that he loves most about his work and decided to pursue that. Those aspects about your work bring out the greatest creativity in you and keeps your passion for your work going as in his case. What I find difficult is when you are not a large organisation and you must deal with everything how do you not get bogged down by the details and stay focussed on the big picture. Big vision is essential but at this time these terms seem appropriate for larger organisations where some people can opt not to look at the details. But then again, isn’t Roger’s going to areas where the operations are, talking to the people there in person, gaining their trust part of the details? I suppose at this time I see the big picture and details going hand in hand to make anything possible.

By: Emily Vreeland

Emily Vreeland — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:36:46 +0000

I would like to start off saying how much this call meant to me, really helped me realize a few things, especially that some of my ideas may be possible.
I’m currently a first year student, and happened by this event on facebook. It sounded interesting to me, and figured it would help me in the future, seeing as how I would love to get involved globally. Unfortunately I was in class the first call, but was delighted to see you were having a encore presentation when I was free.
And I am so glad I was able to participate. I instantly was connected when I heard Roger is involved with conservation, an important ideal to me, and all the work he has already done and wants to do. He’s an inspiration, working on something so worthwhile, and I feel grateful that I was able to listen to how such a person was able to accomplish so much.
The most worthwhile things that I got from this was getting grounded, to sit back, to not get carried away with the trickier bits. And to plan with the bigger picture, not the details, something I get buried in when I start in on a project or when I start to imagine a particular idea.
Overall, yes I think this information is going to be extremely important to me when I get out of school and out into the ‘big world’, but also, I have a feeling this will also help me here, in school, where there are things I want to change and organizations I want to help.

Thank you so much to all,
Emily

By: Maggie Coon

Maggie Coon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:02:58 +0000

Also wanted to add my thanks to Pam. After all, Pam – you’re the one who really introduced me to AI.

Best
Maggie

By: Maggie Coon

Maggie Coon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:22 +0000

I was of course very curious to know who Jim would be talking with and was delighted to discover it was my good friend Roger. What I didn’t know was that he’s a quest alum, though that didn’t really surprise me.

Three things which stood out for me:

– The terrific idea of interviewing oneself. I”ve always liked Jim’s question, “What gives you energy?” which I ask myself a lot. The notion of actually doing more of an interview is a great expansion on that!

– I loved the reminder about “getting grounded.” It caused me to consider how I could do that in my job and has already helped guide my thinking about how I spend my time.

– Finally, the idea of letting go of having to have the plan perfect plan in place. Instead – PUT OUT THE BIG VISION. That’s exactly where I need to be right now.

So thanks Roger and Jim for a rich conversation!

Maggie

By: Jim Lord

Jim Lord — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:55:20 +0000

Kent and Becky,

Good to hear what resonated with you. We go back about a decade or more. I look forward to seeing you again before long.

And I welcome back other old friends (excuse me, I mean “long time” friends)

… and curious to learn what someone who’s newly referred to us found of value in Roger’s wonderful story.

Best,
Jim

By: Becky Carter

Becky Carter — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:19:32 +0000

Wow! what a delight to spend time with Roger again! I couldn’t believe it when he said it’s been five years since we were in CA at a beautiful Quest workshop.

I banged away taking notes and there are almost too many high points to name. The idea of connecting to why I love what I do and nurturing the way others do “it” may be tops. The increase in my belief that it’s worthwhile to invest in other people’s work and quiet my shouting “to do” list was also huge.

Jim your reframe of the language about “being the kind of leader” into: “You already are! translated in my mind easily to “being even more nurturing with employees – or kids – or donors – or “competitors” I found myself immediately wanting to ask: How did you decide to “split” the money? Still plenty of my old problem-spotting and problem solving approach.

Jim I left that workshop determined to stay in touch with everyone who was there – I REALLY want to do that – EVEN More! To the extent it’s practical, please share my email with Roger and anyone else from the wonderful workshops I’ve attended. At one point, I think we’d all agreed to an email list for each other for encouragement. I think both at CA and in Ark. It’s been a long time, so I’m surely willing to wait for others as you have time to pass my email around privately.

Thanks for every bit of what you both do and what you have done for me and my life!

With my love and deep appreciation,
Becky

By: Kent Schell

Kent Schell — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:14:24 +0000

This was a great listen. Several ideas hit home for me: focusing the appreciative inquiry on yourself as a path toward regrounding, setting boundaries and priorities in your work experience (and I would guess in your personal life as well; focusing ones work identity around the mission, not administration; demonstrating how important it is to be trusted by your employees – and how to earn that trust; learning to “think out loud” with your prospects (Roger Frick talked about this, too, and I have done it often); start with an idea, not always a refined proposal; Go big or go home! Decide to let go of suspicions – collaborate instead of compete – is a form of appreciation and respect; tap into personal values and put them out there – because its honest and it works! Thanks Jim and Pam.