A large part of what we do at Vintage 56 is run the Audio and Video elements of events. Maybe it is over the top to call these experiences “the trenches of war,” but nonetheless we learn a lot from being out of the office and interfacing in with our fellow man in these semi-intense scenarios. One such lesson has come to the forefront at an event we recently ran; I like to call that lesson: being flexellent – both flexible and still excellent. This may sound like an easy thing, but very often it can be quite a bear depending on your personality type, and how truly prepared you are. Le’me explain.
The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America contracted us to run their national convention. This wonderful group is made up of very successful and very detailed individuals. It is great to work with people that plan and process through the steps necessary to pull off an event with excellence. In any event, there is inevitably a point where the planning phase transitions into the implementation, rubber-meets-the-road phase. This is where it can all turn south if you aren’t capable of being flexible and still maintaining excellence. Is there a schedule? Absolutely. Is it going to change? Definitely. We need to completely flip an already set up room? No problem. That’s what we are here for. Part of being prepared is having the gear and mental fortitude to deal with change.
I have been at events when I was more of a Padawan than a Jedi Master where situations like this would have thrown me into a tizzy, spiraling out of control more from my emotions and less from the circumstance. And that is the importance of this lesson. When you get in the thick of it, roll with the punches. Adjust and stay calm. Don’t lower your commitment to excellence, but part of that excellence is quickly adjusting as everything unfolds.
