#Startups: The bridges theory

There are two types of entrepreneurs who connect an organizations with two consecutive phases of growth - the first is the developer and the other is the builder.   The provider is the one who has given the lands, the funds and the authority to the builder.   The builder is the one who brings the architects and builds the building.

And between the two people is the bridge.  This bridge is built by trust.  The developer has been a builder before, and is the more powerful of the two.

Partners - one a developer, another builder

As both start the journey together, the small conversations reflect the ups and downs, the progress and setbacks along the way.  This trust is tested sometimes.  But it is this trust survived by the tenacity of both that would make this organization grow.

And these conversations little by little have given shape to a theory.  The theory is called the 'bridges theory'.

What the builder sees, the developer does not worry about.  The developer wants to see the building, and he funds that.  So, the builder's vision is not what really counts. The building is what counts.

And this throws a bipolar vision on the enterprise, apparently.  And that becomes an inevitable theme of conversation between them.   And the conversation is about how the builder wants funds or moves towards the next step.  Because, the translation from vision to reality is always incremental.   For the one who can see it as a dream, virtually to the one who has to see in reality.

So the bone of contention, nay, rather agreement is always what is called the 'bridge'.  As both see the bridge together, they decide to cross.   One to fund, and another to build it - as they cross.  The conversation starts with why the bridge is needed and how the bridge is to be built.  And finally when would it would be available for them to cross.  As they see the purpose commonly together, the bridge is envisaged, built and crossed.   Then comes another bridge.

The bridge is the meeting point of
vision and reality

This may sound tactical, but the bridge is what makes the journey possible.  There are frustrating times too.  The idea of where the real bone of contention and final conclusion can take lot of emotional energy out.

And this is the sometimes the limiting factor and perhaps, the most important factor in the success of the organization. Such is the importance of that 'bridge' between the developer and the builder.

- Ashok Speaks