Navigating New Horizons
Key Takeaways from Facilitating Transformative Projects
We were building something that at its core is striking the delicate balance between bleeding-edge technology and human-centric design. This VR project is more than just the development of a tool; it is about forging new pathways to connectivity, problem-solving, and collective innovation that transcends geographical boundaries. Participating with this team on this journey has fundamentally reshaped my understanding of how thoughtful process design fused with strong team dynamics can revolutionize success on advanced technology projects.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of embracing change. The fast-paced nature of any tech project demands adaptability… but also an eagerness to evolve. Thriving in this environment (spatial computing, VR, AR, XR) means anticipating shifts and being prepared to navigate through them, leveraging every twist and turn the way the river continuously carves out its banks reshaping the landscape through which it flows… and in turn the banks guide the shape of a river.
Building deep, authentic relationships has been another cornerstone of what I am taking with me into my next project(s). The connections we forge on our projects go beyond mere professional networks; they are profound, genuine interactions that enrich the collaborative process. These relationships empower teams, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation flourish.
I’ve also recognized the crucial role of quality facilitation. Being at the helm, guiding discussions, and ensuring that every participant finds a way to share what they see, hear, think. This doesn’t just enhance project outcomes — it also reinforces the collaborative spirit, making every session more fruitful, inclusive, and ultimately energizing! Too often teams are lead by the de-facto leader, typically at the top of an arbitrary employment structure, and that leader is holding the whole, all the participants, and all the details too. It is best for both the facilitator and the participants for the facilitator to hold the empty “space”, to be empty of opinions or objectives themselves. One of the most powerful actions I have seen on this project has been the empowerment from leadership to others (including myself) to lead facilitation. This single act also gives the leader the opportunity to listen, to really listen, and it is too-often a rare gift for leaders in our world today.
Lastly, the project underscored the transformative power of feedback. Integrating real-time input has not only fine-tuned our approach but also deepened our understanding of the user experience, enabling continuous improvement and refinement of our strategies. Well managed feedback loops with weekly use of the product allowed this team to clearly identify causes, redesign where needed, and ultimately fix defects on an ongoing basis. It has been a luxury to be using the application we are building to help us actually build it better! Something straight out of the 37 Signals playbooks.
These lessons are not just reflections; they are the guiding principles for my future projects. As I look ahead, I’m excited to apply these insights to new challenges, confident in the knowledge that with the right blend of technology, design, and human interaction, we can continue to break new ground and redefine what’s possible in collaboration, like the intimate interplay between the shaping force of the river and the guiding limits of the banks.
Radiantly,
Brett A McCall
Together, we are BetterThanUnicorns!
