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“Hope Is a Four Letter Word”

4/27/2009

2 Comments

 
Posted by BJ
​
A good friend of mine, Dave, runs the Boston Marathons each year in memory of his son Nick and in support of a local charity that was important to both of them. Dave and writes a blog about his marathon experience and I receive updates. The title of this post is taken from Dave’s latest update.

The most recent update was so well written and moving I wrote to Dave telling him how much I was moved by what he had written and asked how he was able to produce such a piece. Dave replied, “The words are easy when they come from the heart.” This is something for us to bear in mind while we are writing proposals.

It is also worth  bearing in mind what Dave speaks of as he writes about “hope” as it applies to marathons, as this also applies to many other endeavors, including proposals. And while I would never compare the efforts Dave puts in to run a marathon or the purpose behind his running, I think much of what Dave speaks about regarding hope applies to the work we do and what it sometimes takes to complete a proposal.

I asked Dave for permission to direct you, our readers, to the blog so that you could also enjoy and benefit from his insights and he graciously agreed. The link to the blog is http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/. I encourage you to read the blog and to follow and enjoy Dave’s journey and writing.

Strategic Proposals LLC makes a donation to the Lazarus House in Nick’s name and in support of Dave’s running and I encourage our readers to make a donation.​
2 Comments
Mike White
3/26/2016 02:14:57 am

“Hope is not a plan.” I can’t speak for Dave, but I do not think hope is what allows Dave to run and finish marathons. I think it’s self-discipline. I think it’s a beautiful self-confidence. I think it’s having the reasoning ability to construct a training regime that will accomplish his goal. Dave and you may call it hope. I call it man at his best.

As for how it affects proposals…I want to be on a proposal team that has the reasoning ability, self-confidence, and discipline to do what’s required to win over a team that simply hopes to win the contract. I know I’m misconstruing the intent of your posting and Dave’s words, but the word “hope” can cause a lot of irreparable damage if it’s leaned on to replace the proper actions required for success. Respectfully, Mike

Reply
bj
3/26/2016 02:15:13 am

Well put sir and I know Dave would absolutely agree with you.

I’d add, as I suspect Dave would (or will when he sees this) that ‘inspiration’ is a bog piece of it. For Dave, a huge part of the inspiration and motivation is his love for his son Nick and a desire to honor his memory.
I think the same holds true for proposal work but again, in a different way and to a different degree than Dave’s case.
Team members on a proposal effort find
The inspiration and motivation for members of a proposal team is different for each individual. For ne it might be the challenge of producing the highest quality document possible. For another, it might be learning new skills. And for yet another, it might be the ‘prize’ offered by management for a job well done – perhaps an ‘all expense paid weekend someplace special’ or ‘dinner for four at a nice restaurant’ or such.
Inspiration and motivation…along with the components Mike lists… go a long ways towards helping accomplish the tasks and achieving the goals.

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