The celebration of American independence is right around the
corner – July 4th. Two-hundred
and forty-two years ago the course of a nation, it’s people and the world in
general began to shift.
As you look back at the history of how the Declaration of Independence
came to be, the underlying factors included:
1.
Passion for equality
2.
Vision for the future
3.
Leadership to make change
4.
Compromise in moving forward in steps vs. leaps
Compromise seems to be a lost art – from our government, to
our relationships with one another to business.
And perhaps the ability to express thoughts through social media and
email (without a filter) have only perpetuated the lack of compromise.
During my career I’ve always tried to push for significant
change. As said in today’s language – a “Disrupter.” From positioning, to organizational structure,
to technology, demand generation, channel expansion, creative, messaging and
strategy. Always trying to take the “big
leap” and pushing, pushing, pushing. And
I must say that the times I’ve been successful in taking the big leap. But, by compromising across business and
function lines on recommended changes the ability to obtain the end goal has
usually been achieved.
For marketing to be successful we must all learn and
practice compromise. I am not saying we
shouldn’t push hard for change, but when we are stymie by those with strong
contrary opinions, we need to learn how we can compromise on our “giant leap”
to move towards solid “steps” towards our end goal. Then continue to push for smaller steps
always moving forward. Communication and
inclusion of others is the only way to drive appropriate compromise.
For without compromise the Declaration of Independence and
the forming of our nation would not have occurred.
Remember, that the next time you sit across
the table from someone strongly opposing your “giant leap.”
Happy July 4th.
Scott
