Week 3: 5 Blind Men and the Elephant
Asking for advice is always a tricky process. Especially when one is still figuring out the foundation of one’s business. Even more so when you seek advice of many experts.
All the mentoring conversations and mentors have been wonderful but it is slowly starting to seem like the tale of the 5 Blind Men and the Elephant where every blind man conceptualizes the elephant based on the part he touches. Similarly, each mentor seems to see a part of the entire picture viewed from the vantage point of their expertise, and advising via that aspect. And they are not wrong. There are many ways to understand and solve a single problem.
Perhaps each of these vantage points needs to addressed if a venture is to be successful. An elephant wouldn’t be complete without its ears, tail, trunk, tusks, legs, or body. But perhaps, an elephant can do with one ear and short tusks? But cannot do without a body? Yet, to the person who’s an expert on that part — that is the most important part! And sort of expecting execution on that part.
It certainly has been an interesting experience these past two weeks. It has also shown me that I have to refine my questions and be more precise in my ask. This of course has its own issues, cause I don’t know what I don’t know. Or understand all areas of expertise the mentors are coming from. At the end of the day, I am truly fascinated by the thinking that emanates from the mentors; to witness so many ways to approach a problem. There are no right or wrong ways — just different ways. Ideation is a beautiful thing!
Our entire cohort went on a field trip to Good Will. They certainly do more than resell clothes — they have an extensive education department set up to not only train incarcerated folks but are also actively striving to connect them with businesses to give them a second leash on life. Truly inspiring to hear the stories first-hand.
