When Things Explode & How to Get Back on Track

I recently experienced a big disappointment. A group project I had been working towards for a few months made it almost to the finish line. We were just waiting for some answers from the other party and the final version of the paperwork. Then, early the other morning, I got the news that they changed their minds. I felt like I had woken up back at the starting line with the air let out of my tires completely. 

Have you ever had a project you care about implode? How did you feel? What did you do? 

I heard a phrase that jolted me into a new appreciation for when things blow up – metaphorically, of course…

"Rapid, unplanned deconstruction” — this is the humorously visual reframing one of the announcers at SpaceX used four minutes into a planned test launch of their combined Starship and Super Heavy rocket on April 20, 2023. Instead of the two sections neatly separating from one another so that the rocket Starship could continue on its path without Super Heavy, there was a big explosion. Smoke billowed and rocket parts flew. 

Back at headquarters, however, there were no heavy sighs, finger-pointing or sad faces. Everyone cheered! This is what “failure” should always look like in my opinion. Their bar was low, and optimism high. If the ship lifted off the platform, the mission would be a success. Anything beyond that would be data they could use for future attempts.

Blob drawing for groups Part 1

Purpose: start some creative juices flowing, provide an opportunity for lightness and fun after a project "failure"

1. Hand out a piece of paper or index card and drawing tool to each person in the group. 
2. On your mark, ask everyone to quickly draw a random shape on the paper.
3. Everyone passes their paper to someone else in the group.
4. Set a 1-minute timer. Give the group one minute to turn the shape on the paper they received into something. Anything, real or imagined. Emphasize that the goal is to generate IDEAS, not produce artistic masterpieces.
5. When the timer goes off, have each person show their drawing and say what they drew. BONUS: offer a reward (like peppermints or star stickers) to anyone who makes a connection between their drawing and the project.

Blob drawing for groups Part 2

Purpose: pick out the pieces that can help you develop your Plan B

1. Hand out another piece of paper.
2. Set a timer for 1 minute.
3. Have everyone draw a big blob.
4. Thinking about the project that "failed," INSIDE THE BLOB have everyone jot down important reusable data, salvageable information and lessons learned.
5. OUTSIDE THE BLOB, note things that need to be replaced, reimagined, adjusted or tweaked.
   

The Payoffs 

• You've blown off steam with your team using humor and creativity.
• You've generated a ton of significant data.
• You can use this data to inform the next stage of project planning.

Keep in mind, even the most simple drawing can have a HUGE IMPACT.