What is a springboard?

Welcome to Springboard Launchings! This blog reflects the heart and mind of a small business dedicated to transforming habitual communication challenges into springboards to professional excellence - Springboard NW, LLC. As its principal purveyor of platitudes, it is my privilege and plan to offer up people-to-people communication topics, questions and readings for thoughtful consideration and comment.

Today's topic: What is a springboard? http://www.dictionary.com/ defines it as "something that supplies conditions for a beginning, change, or progress; a point of departure" - a jumping-off point.

I am fascinated by what prompts us to begin something new; to change direction; to either abandon or adapt old ways of being; to embrace unfamiliar new ways of being and doing.

In my communcation practice, I invite people to experiment with making changes in how they interact with others in the workplace. Their willingness to experiment seems directly proportional to the level of potential or existing negative consequences associated with a specific communication challenge. This makes perfect sense, yes? Why fix something that isn't broken? If I experience very little or no negativity interacting with someone - why would I need to change the way in which I communicate with them? Great question!

Sometimes willingness to change arises out of curiosity.
What would happen if I.......?

Sometimes the springboard is love. Sometimes the springboard is hope of something greater than what is. Springboards can be visions, dreams and an inspiration to create.

Fresh asparagus can be a springboard to a perfect meal. The early morning sun dappling the surface of the rive can be a springboard to painting. An affectionate memory can be a springboard to calling a long-time friend. A well-told story can springboard to telling one of your own.

What springboard inspires you?

Jean