In my previous columns, I’ve shared my passion for collecting quotes, which I use as a wellspring of inspiration when facing challenges. Today, I’m excited to present a curated selection of four quotes that offer what I believe to be profound insights for communities and their economic-development organizations in our rapidly evolving world.
- “Operational excellence secures the present. Innovation excellence secures the future.” — Roger Milliken. This timeless quote encapsulates the essence of success. To thrive, we must simultaneously excel in operations while innovating relentlessly. This principle applies not only to individual businesses but also resonates with communities striving to balance immediate needs with long-term vision. Milliken’s words are genius and evergreen.
- “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Chinese proverb.Meaningful change often requires time and patience. If something is worth doing for your community, even if it takes decades to fully develop, it’s critical that we get started now. The urgencies of today often distract us from doing the long-term work that can transform our communities for generations to come. In the face of daily urgencies, remember that planting and nurturing acorns is how we grow mighty oak trees.
- “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” — Albert Einstein. In today’s world of data and information ubiquity, being imaginative is more important than ever, including at the community level. Using our collective imagination enables us to envision brighter futures and design new economic-development approaches. Embrace the risk and uncertainty, for it is far riskier to stifle the collective imagination and continue plodding forward, head down.
- “In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” — Eric Hoffer. This observation resonates strongly in our current landscape, where inertia can hold us hostage to outdated practices. These are times of change and learning has never been more important including at the community level.
I revisit these quotes frequently to refocus and rise above the daily grind. I hope that one or more of them strikes a chord with you as you work to strengthen your own community.
John Moore is a principal with Momenteum Strategies, an Upstate-based consulting firm specializing in helping communities and their economic development organizations build thriving, impactful innovation ecosystems.
