When I started developing VisualsSpeak, I tried to find pictures of everything. If someone mentioned they couldn’t find a picture of a horse, I went off to find one and add it to the set. I had over 4000 images in the set. Filled a whole suitcase.
I noticed the stories people were telling weren’t as interesting to listen to. I wasn’t seeing as many insights, breakthroughs, innovation. As I worked to pare down the number of images, categories, and the amount of time to select the pictures, the stories came alive again.
Now I’m thrilled when you can’t find the image you want. Why? Because you now have the opportunity to dig deeper into the essence of what that thing you want means to you, and find another way to express it. You know the literal and obvious things about yourself already. You know the stories you individually and collectively tell about your organization. This is an opportunity to discover aspects beyond the obvious. To use the power of association and visual triggers to learn/realize something less clear.
We use words all day every day. If we could solve all the problems using words, things would work a whole lot smoother than they do. There certainly are enough tools, processes, and procedures that are word based. Photographs and visual tools offer you alternatives. Give you other ways to think and process information. Embrace the opportunity to think differently!
