How Do We Start with a New Project?

When we start with a new company, a new team, a new project, we want to make a difference. How do we begin? Some make a furious and forceful start - "What a nice day to make a revolution". Some take a careful stealth approach - "A slow camel goes farther than a fast horse". What course do you choose?

I was reading about John Kennedy and his and first weeks in the White House. In two months after taking the oath Kennedy had issued 32 official messages, delivered 12 speeches, published 22 executive orders, sent 28 communications to foreign chiefs of state, and held 7 press conferences.

This performance is fascinating. I can only guess what it takes to write an executive order, but as a Competent Toast Master (CTM) I witness that 12 speeches in 2 months is a full time job by itself!

With his vibrating energy, hard work and outstanding performance Kennedy set up the pace for everyone in Washington. He won support, sympathies and admiration of millions in America and the respect of billions in the world.

Kennedy chose a race start approach inspired by Richard E. Neustadt's "Presidential Power". Neustadt wrote that the public impression of a chief executive "takes shape for most constituents no later then the time they first perceive him being President".

History didn't give Kennedy much time. He couldn't afford to move slowly. He hurried up as if he knew it. He made a great difference.

When we start with a new company, a new team, a new project, we want to make a difference. How dare we think we've got much time?