Change is changing! We are evolving at a revolutionary pace, an ever increasing rate, and in ways we've never dreamed. Centuries, or even a few decades ago, we sought discoveries with the intention of finding a specific solution to a problem. Problems were defined which needed particular solutions. That concept is fading fast.
Change today takes on a multifaceted format, often changing in surprising dimensional ways that lead to new products, services, discoveries and heightened technology. In this Internet dominated information age, change is occurring at lightning fast speeds. Change is occurring more and more at a systems level – a small change in one area creates a rippling effect across multiple levels and not necessarily in a linear format. Yet, change in the near future will be nothing like the changes we experienced yesterday.
When Magellan and other intrepid explorers sailed off to discover the world they had no idea what they would find. They kept their eyes and ears open, as well as their minds, they were sponges of the unknown. In the same manner new developments in virtual reality will burst doors wide open to change and discoveries we can not currently anticipate. Working with cutting-edge computers, multimedia enhancements, and virtual reality programs will enable scientists to explore the utterly unknown. Man and woman will simply go forth unbiased by preconceived notions to explore and discover - until they find something new and interesting. Paul Hazan of the Applied Physics Laboratory at John Hopkins University, sees this as the Eureka Factor.That kind of "free-form" exploration has the potential to unleash ideas and concepts that will dwarf what has come before. It is discovery and exploration in the broadest of contexts and with potentially astounding benefits. Hazan states: "We're actually expanding human creativity. Eureka!
However, successful transition is not just based on accepting and embracing change alone, but on the ability to do it quicker and with less disruption than others. This is true for individuals as well as organizations.
The keys to managing this emerging change are preparation and openness, putting in place a mindset and culture that can rapidly assimilate and manage the change environment. This calls for integrated programs within corporate cultures that comprehend and absorb these changes in an orderly and profitable manner without invoking chaos. It calls for training leaders as the agents of change – to not only initiate and sustain the change, but to manage the emotional, people side of change within their respective areas of influence.
The deciding factor in the success and sustainability of change is drive and persistence. Without that commitment to push us through when we confront the inevitable resistance, change would not happen. Personal change for us as individuals will succeed and organizational change will succeed if we create a change process, work the plan and then kick in our determination when we come to those hurdles attempting to block the way. The tenacity needed to overcome the hurdles is the most underestimated factor in our success. Once over the top of the transition curve, or as William Bridges has shown us, we move from the “Neutral Zone” into the “New Beginnings”, we can accomplish anything.
Things will return to “normal” once different becomes normal. It’s found on the Other Side of Change – it is our new beginning.
Have a wonderful day and I would love to hear from you on this!
Rebecca
