What do I mean when I say “whiteboard destiny?” Well, the concept itself is relatively simple yet intricate. It is easy and hard. It is short and long. Are you confused yet? I’m out of comparisons, so let me elaborate.
Whiteboard destiny simply means this: if you want to accomplish something big, no matter how crazy it seems, write it down somewhere that you will see it every day, like a whiteboard in your room or office. You are going to look at it every day and even if you try to ignore it, it’s still there. What you wrote is your long-term goal and your North Star for all future professional decisions. You are going to make hundreds of decisions in your life that will affect you professionally, so don’t be discouraged if your path isn’t straight. No one’s professional path is a straight line.
Think of the Unalome symbol. Simply put, in Buddhism it represents the path of human existence. It’s never straight, sometimes you have to go backwards before you go forwards, but you will always end up where you are supposed to be.
The whiteboard is more than just a writing surface. It’s a canvas where ideas come to life, where complex problems are unraveled, and where the path to our destiny is charted. It’s a space where the collective intelligence of a team is harnessed, and where the seeds of innovation are sown.
The magic of the whiteboard lies in its simplicity. With just a marker and an eraser, it invites us to sketch our thoughts, erase our mistakes, and rewrite our ideas until they’re just right. It’s a tool that encourages iteration, fosters creativity, and promotes a growth mindset.
But the whiteboard is not just about the ideas that are drawn on it. It’s also about the process. The act of standing in front of a whiteboard, marker in hand, encourages active engagement and deep thinking. It’s a physical act that stimulates our minds and helps us think outside the box.
Moreover, the whiteboard is a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your title is. When you’re in front of a whiteboard, all that matters is the quality of your ideas. It’s a space where the best idea wins, not the loudest voice.
The collaborative nature of the whiteboard is also key to its power. It’s a tool that brings people together, encourages dialogue, and fosters a sense of shared ownership. When a team gathers around a whiteboard, they’re not just sharing ideas; they’re building a shared vision of their destiny.
In conclusion, the whiteboard, in its physical or digital form, is more than just a tool. It’s a catalyst for innovation, a platform for collaboration, and a map to our destiny. So, the next time you pick up a marker, remember, you’re not just writing on a board; you’re shaping your destiny.
Instructional Design by Don Becker 