Tell me what you want, exactly what you want!

Some of us operate in "big picture" mode. We are macro, we think out of the box while connecting the dots. We sometimes do pay attention to detail, but it's because it is clearly defined and part of a set process and procedure. It supports the big picture. The details are part of the journey in order to reach the bigger goal...

We are global minded and focus on how what we are doing affects and impacts the goals, mission and vision of whatever.  We have faith. We believe that a conversation is an investment and the fruits of that investment take time to grow and be nourished. We are team players. We need to be, if not we fail.

We are leaders and empower others to lead with us. Why? Because we collectively believe in the task at hand. The task, you may ask, can be daunting. Indeed. Why take it on with a pessimistic outlook and pretend one person can take it on by themselves and then put others down when the task proves to be challenging?

In attempting to make sense at how some of us, individuals who thrive in a structured environment, may seem to contradict the very essence of what being "big picture" means, I will keep it very simple.

TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT!

I work with volunteers. I recruit, train and manage them. I am Ms. Big Picture. Our goal is XXX and I have had to learn, in various, different adorations of my career development to be as detailed as possible. Oh, not for my sake, but for them. When you manage a group of people, be it a retreat team, a planning committee, a fundraising group, may I offer a word of advice: be as clear and specific as possible. If you need X, then make sure those who you expect X to come from, know that if you add A and B you'll get C and that will lead to X, eventually. Give deadlines, set expectations.
                                                  Sigh.......  PAUSE for exhaustion.

Yes, it's exhausting! Why? Because it is not in my nature to create all things detailed. I am a creative extrovert, that while flirting with the introvert in me, often desperately miss the back to back appointments, classes (taken and taught) and structured daily schedule. Don't get me wrong, I would die without variety and the occasional change in routine. What I am saying is that our fantastic, creative mind needs to be anchored in structured. The structure is the anchor, the stability.

So, in conclusion, and as my friends have learned sometimes in very comical ways as one that is thinking big and planning ahead, when you need me, tell me what you want, exactly what you want. I promise to drop what I am doing to focus on that. Give me a deadline. I need it! I love to work under pressure... hahaha... I know, I know. Go ahead and roll your eyes. I tell you what, if you sell me your proyect and need something specific from me and I am on board, we both win! Give me a project with a vision and a structure I will run with it. But please, as I have to learn to do with working with others, be specific and tell me what you want. My colleagues, friends and team members I have worked with, appreciate it from me... and I NEED it from you all. :)