One of the phrases often used in consulting is called “proof of concept.”
Generally, “proof of concept” (or “POC”) is a tool you use to create stakeholder buy-in – convincing a person, a group of people or an audience (but it often comes down to just a few people) that your idea is worth pursuing as a viable option, strategy or method – and it’s generally done in a way that is refined enough to understand, but it is not completely refined or executed until after it is approved. In essence: you are proving that you can ‘do it,’ without ‘doing it… yet.’
When you stop to think about POC, isn't that a lot like life?
Everything we do involves some level of "convincing." Perhaps it's an internal process – like convincing yourself that doing something is worthwhile, or maybe it's proving to yourself that you have the confidence to succeed – or an external process, like illustrating to your boss, or the world, that something is valid and worthy of consideration or adoption.
Of course, with a 'POC,' there's always some kind of change intended - even if it’s a small one. It's often a cause and effect pattern, but what happens when there are unintended consequences?
I might be a creative director like Don Draper in Mad Men, pitching lip stick or cigarettes concepts to clients, or maybe I’m working on something more internal… like as I wrap up 2011, I realize how out of touch I have become with creating – something was missing, at least from the standpoint of two things I love: music, and art/illustration. Creating, and being creative can be realized in so many ways, that’s for sure, but in my case, I have been feeling like I have started to ‘lose’ something dear to me… and “convincing” myself that it was important to just start doing something has taken some work! In the music area, I am strategizing for 2012: what do I need to do to be inspired? Well, I’ll leave that one to another post, but let’s just say I will be incorporating some new tools in 2012. On the art side, I started doing some digital painting today, and realized how much I missed it.
Sometimes convincing yourself involves simply DOING, and seeing what happens.
So why is any of this important? Perhaps it's because of how important it can ultimately be to us… when it comes to our happiness!
We can convince ourselves that an action is worthwhile, but it's just as important not to get too attached to the result. Being committed to moving forward is a great intended result, and one that is more worthy than being inflexible and committed a single result... Because what happens when a specific POC fails to work, or convince someone? And then personal feelings get all mixed up in the equation… we magnify the problem, and defeat ourselves!To quote the Dalai Llama: "it seems that whenever there are intense emotions involved, there tends to be a disparity between how things appear and how they really are."
So basically: Don't be a part of the problem, and don’t get in the way of your own progress.
Don't make it worse by creating something that isn't there, don't be too rough on yourself, and yes – keep going!
In my world, I learn from it, and am committed to moving under, over, around or through... But I continue regardless... and I keep trying. Trying new things... Because you know what they say about repeating the same action, but expecting a different result!
;)
You've heard the phrase "new and improved," right? I take that one to heart every time I need to learn and keep going! After going through some of this process, I have found that doing a little 'deconstructing' of what I'm all about it a good thing. Take it apart, let it fall to the ground, and see what pieces you feel like picking up again, right?
I need a reason or a purpose for doing something. For instance, the drawing I am working on is going to be a holiday card… it serves a dual purpose: it’s an enjoyable process, and it’s also a form of expression to share with others. Good stuff! Anyway, I’ll attach it to this blog. I think it’s just about done.
What have some of your more challenging 'POCs' looked like, and what they led to? Was it a valuable change? Profound insight? What was its ultimate impact?
Are you, who you say you are?
Well prove it!
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