10 Guiding Principles for 10 Years

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10 Guiding Principles for 10 Years
By. Calista H. Smith

Scale Strategic Solutions begins its 10th year of transforming information into action in 2021. When I started the business in 2011, it was simply a move from a closed door to an open door based on the skills and interests of one individual. It is now an organization with a team of employees and collaborators working on a common mission to support continuous improvement with clients in education, economic and workforce development, health, and social services.

Here are two inspirational stories offering 10 guiding principles for our 10th year and beyond.

Georgia Gilmore, Montgomery Bus Boycott activist and entrepreneur

During the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia Gilmore led the Club from Nowhere which sold meals and baked goods to fund the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Funds from the club helped fund the car pool system and other activities of the boycott. Gilmore agreed to coordinate the secret effort which made her vulnerable to domestic terrorism and persecution while shielding other volunteers in the club. She also lost her job as a cook at a local restaurant because she testified in defense of the national hero we celebrate this month, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the anti-boycotting trail against him. However, she was able to start her own catering company stemming from customers who supported the Club from Nowhere. Gilmore reminds us to:

1. Be Courageous: Despite risks and fears, be courageous in pursuing your vision and what is right.

2. Use What You Have: Appreciate what you have in skills, resources, and relationships. Leverage what you have, great or small, to be successful.

3. Meet Practical Needs: Understand the practical needs required to get things done. Don’t ignore essential, practical needs for yourself, your family, your business, and your community.

4. Prepare for the Long Haul: Results may be delayed or even elusive, and it may be unfair. However, you must stay focused on achieving the ultimate objective.

5. Speak Up: Everyone’s voice matters. Speak up respectfully while also listening to others. Aid others in making their voices heard.

John Scott, 2016 National Hockey League All-Star Game MVP

I recently heard the Radiolab The Punchline episode that shares the story of two podcasters who suggested the All-Star candidacy of John Scott, a hockey player with a minimal role on the ice, as jab at the NHL voting process. Scott won the fan vote, but the league tried very hard to stop his participation in the the All-Star game, including a cross-continental trade and demoting him to the minor leagues. However, John Scott not only played in the All-Start game but scored the winning goal and was named the game’s MVP.

6. Expect the Unexpected: Do not assume particular results or outcomes. Be ready for what comes your way.

7. Operate with Openness: Be open to participatory practices. If you ask for input, consider it sincerely.

8. Covet Not Control: Don’t desire control for control sake. Steward what is already in your control. Trying to manipulate the process may be futile.

9. Make It Clear: Be clear about your vision. Communicate clearly your intentions and their nuances.

10. Accept Opportunity with Grace: Meet opportunity, anticipated and unanticipated, with humility but don’t be afraid to pursue it if it aligns with your vision. Your best effort may be just what is needed.

As we enter this 10th year of business, Scale Strategic Solutions looks forward to putting these principles into practice.

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