I’ve been watching the latest on the new iPhone 5 that was introduced by Apple a few weeks ago. Lots of good press about the phone and also many complaints. Of course, some people are never happy and will complain about anything. However, one thing that stuck out as much as anything with the new iPhone is its new 8-pin connector. The connector is what connects the phone to various accessories such as battery chargers, speakers, keyboards, etc. This connector was new and it was different and it was an innovative change. Many people had devices, cables and chargers that worked with the old connector. Many are now upset about this change and say they won’t upgrade because of it. But here’s the deal. Innovation has occurred to keep up with modern technology and advances and at some point those customers who don’t want to change will have no choice. At some point their current phone will become obsolete, it might break or get lost. Change is coming. How many people do you know that still have an 8-track tape player or even a cassette player in their car or home? How many people do you know that still have a CB radio in their car? Still using a fax machine or a beeper? Things change and you have to adapt and work in the new reality in an effective manner. The best thing in most cases is to just let go of the old and figure out how you’re going to succeed in the new.
Don’t let these things hold you back…
Comfort – Everyone seems to be ok with or even like change until the change affects them. However, if we had stayed in our comfort zone and didn’t explore other options we might still be buying 8-track tapes or reading by candle light. What comforts are holding you back?
Fear of the future – This is the number one fear of most people. As a leader, you have to make the best decision you can with the information you currently have. If you’re not the leader, you need to follow the leader. Have enough confidence in your leader and understand that you might not have all the information the leader has to make a judgement on the best path to take. If you can’t follow your leader, find one with another organization and follow him. Here’s a test… If the leader is changing things just for the sake of saying he changed things, you might want to find another leader. If he is making innovative changes, you might want to get on board.
Pessimism – Effective leaders are optimistic about the organization’s future. However, some people and even some leaders tend to think nothing will work the way it should. Often times, your pessimism will be a self-fulfilling reality. If you think you’ll lose, odds are, you will. I’m guessing the horse and buggy people were very pessimistic about this new thing called the automobile.
Here’s the point… Sometimes it’s just time to move forward and leave the past in the past. Ask yourself the question, “what’s holding me back?” Do you have too many 8-track tapes to make it worth your while to get a CD player or iPod? Trust your leadership and embrace the change. I’m still amazed at how often employees are ok with their organization losing money as long as they can continue to operate as they always have (status quo). They either don’t get it or don’t want to understand that the organization can’t print money and at some point there will be a tipping point and changed will be forced on you.
Embrace innovative change and move forward.
