Realities

Realities are the fundamental truths that shape how the world, communities and people actually operates. A reality could be the rule of thumb that the speed limit is 72 mph rather than the law of 65 stated on the sign. A reality could be a perception that most people do not like telemarketer calls. People, organizations and communities may have defined beliefs, processes or bylaws to operate, realities are how they actually operate.

Almost every idea, business, product, service or concept that has ever been conceived, has been done without knowing the realities we now know today. The understanding of the established, new and emerging may have significant impact on the success of an eDream. The understanding of realities was a key component in helping Reed Hastings develop his big idea which in now Netflix. The major categories of realities include:

• History - what has happened in the past that shapes how things operate today
• Leadership - who is the decision makers or major influencers of change
• Science - understanding of the physical world, research and studies
• Culture, Customs & Traditions - what shapes how we decide, interact and operate today
• Perceptions - understanding of the world, communities and people that shape our actions
• Rules - how we actually operate based on defined laws, guideline, standards, processes or other agreed upon terms
• Technology - available technology and innovations
• Physical Environment - transportation infrastructure, internet, natural environment, House or Building
• Resources - money, water, oil, diamonds, etc.

Realities are enablement components that could impact making an eDream successfully happen.

Established Realities

Established Realities are realities that have been establish for a period of time (likely 3 or more years). It would be understood by most (likely over 75%) of the people expected to be familiar with the established realities. They would understand what is really the case or how something actually operates.

New Realities

New Realities are realities that have recently been established (likely less than 3 years). It would be understood by many (likely over 25%) of the people expected to be aware of the new realities. The split would be a result of some people either not recognizing, accepting, understanding and/or experiencing the new reality.

Emerging Realities

Emerging Realities are realities that have yet to be established or may not ever become established (likely within the next two years). They would likely be recognized and fully understood by a small number of people (likely under 25%). Emerging Realities are still formulating and their potential impact is unknown. The forces of emerging reality that drive them to become new realities are:

• Game Changing Event (New History)
• New Leadership - new election, new leader, new decision makers
• New Science - compelling new science, research or study
• New Perceptions by people
• New Rules - rules, laws or standards that could propel the emerging reality
• New Technology
• New Physical Environment
• New resources - new money, new discovery of oil
• Compelling Story - or example of why the reality could emerge

Future Realities

Future Realities are realities that may happen on a widespread basis, limited basis or may not ever happen (likely 2 years or more years away). There are few people (as few as one person) working on making these potential realities happen. The few people engaged in developing these potential realities are driven by:

• Mission - driven to find a cure for cancer,
• Key Insight - driven by a technical, science or perception insight such as Reed Hasting's belief that people are willing to try new video rental service or what is now now Netflix
• Contrarian insight - a contrarian
• Combinatorial insight - combining the generally available information on the internet, mobile phones and cloud computing to produce a new solution or reality