John F. Kennedy's quote "It is a mistake to think that because you are secure in your convictions you should not broaden them" is particularly insightful in the context of finding a partner to collaborate with and fill resourcing gaps.
Here's how it applies in the event landscape:
- SECURITY IN CONVICTIONS: When you're secure in your beliefs and skills, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have all the answers, or this is how we have always done it here. Pride and experience can make you resist considering alternative approaches or seeking help when perhaps a fresh approach may be the silver bullet that delivers a better outcome.
- BROADENING, NOT WEAKENING: Kennedy emphasizes that collaboration doesn't weaken your convictions; it broadens them. By working with an external professional who complements your skillset, you have exposure to different perspectives and new approaches. This can strengthen your understanding and lead to more creative event solutions and greater event growth.
- SYNERGY AND GROWTH: Think of an event like building a bridge. You might be a strong pillar, but additional support and materials are sometimes needed to complete the structure. Similarly, collaborating with someone who fills your resource gaps creates a synergy that allows you to achieve more than you could alone.
- OPENNESS TO LEARNING: Being secure in your convictions also means being open to learning and adapting. Collaboration provides opportunities to learn from others and potentially refine your approach, ultimately strengthening your skillset.
JFK's wisdom reminds us that true confidence comes from being open to learning and growth. By seeking complementary skills, you not only broaden your perspective but strengthen your and your teams' overall capabilities.
