My Three R’s for getting it right.

So you’re all pumped up after a fantastic workshop or conference session. 

Who isn’t? 

But, before you storm in and turn your organization’s strategic initiatives upside down in the name of progress, take a seat, take a breath, and spend some “quality” time and critically look at the ideas you are revved up about. 

Run your ideas and takeaways through the three R’s of implementation to determine which ones should be brought to the table at your next team meeting.

• Relevant

Identify which elements of a session apply to your association, always keeping in mind your available resources – meaning you, your staff and volunteers. 

 A conference speaker should know the audience, and therefore tailor their content to be relevant to that audience. It is essential to be able to identify the ideas presented that apply to the work your organization does.

• Realistic

“Keeping it Real” is a primary key to successfully implementing new ideas. Establishing unrealistic goals and strategies can be just as demoralizing as not having any at all. 

Getting inspired by ten amazing ideas during a workshop or conference can be exhilarating; but how about selecting one or two to start with? It is essential to build momentum and a real sense of accomplishment when you tackle the big hairy audacious idea.

Brainstorm with your team. 

What is everyone capable of doing today? 

Are there areas where they could be more efficient? 

What is needed to tackle the new ideas you are proposing?

Review and address any challenges or roadblocks you envision before moving forward.

• Refine

Refine what you have learned to fit within your organization’s existing current strategies. You don’t have to follow precisely the tips and strategies a workshop or conference speaker shares with you. You will probably find that you will be more successful by tweaking these ideas and “making them your own.”

Final Word

If members of your team were in attendance with you, schedule a meeting when you return to the office. Discuss the takeaways you captured and consider what you can handle and implement today.

For the team members that weren’t able to attend, share any available session recordings from the conference so they can get a sense of what has inspired you. If none are available, be sure to take detailed notes so you can share a summary of what you learned (and why it’s significant) with your team.

Taking the inspiring ideas learned at a conference and putting them into actionable strategies requires critical thinking, collaboration, and above all, patience. Remember, changing the world takes a little time. Keep the faith!