Out of The Box

Out of The Box ClarityWhen I say I want an “Out of The Box” solution to a problem what do you think of?

Stop for a moment and think about . . . try to formulate an answer.

My guess is that most of you thought about the concept of “thinking outside of the box.” However, maybe I was referring to a package . . . and how when I bought my computer it’s ready to go right “out of the box.” Or maybe I’m referring to an “out of the box” solution meaning that this software solves the problem right out of the box . . . meaning there are no extra steps needed. It works “right out of the box.” Thus it’s an “Out of The Box” solution.

Let’s imagine you’re a brand new nuclear power plant operator, and I’m your trainer . . . I’m about to leave you alone with the control panel for the first time. I’ll be gone for about 4 hours. I tell you, right before I leave, that the absolute most important thing you can know about a nuclear reactor is that you can never put too much water into the core.

Then I leave. What did I mean by that? Did I mean that there’s no such thing as too much water, or did I mean never put too much water into the core . . . so is there no such thing as too much or is there grave danger in too much?

Next to the tree in my backyard, I love my children the most. Does that mean that I love the tree more than my children, or does it mean that I love my children the most when I stand “next to” the tree?

You may recall a past article I wrote called You, Me and Dupree, about this subject. In that article I was more focusing on your relationship with your audience. Here, however, I’m wanting to focus on your relationship with the client . . . the party planner, etc.

The message is simple: never assume. Of course, we need to use common sense, but as demonstrated by the above sentences, there is often more than way to interpret a sentence. For example, if the client says, “We’ll cut you a check after the gig,” what does that mean? Better yet, When does that mean? Does it mean immediately after the gig . . . or the next day, next week, next month . . . in all cases, it’s “after” the gig.

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarity.

“There will be 200 people at the event.” What does that mean? Will there be 200 people all at once sitting waiting for a show? Will it be a total of 200 people over the period of the event . . . people coming and going? Will there be 200 people at the event, but only 20 of them attending your show?

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarity.

The cornerstone of any relationship is communication . . . good communication. A huge part of communication is clarity. Without it, you may put too much water in the nuclear reactor, but then again, you can’t put too much water in the reactor . . . or can you . . . I’m so confused.

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarity.

Until Next Month . . .

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