One of the defining characteristics of business these days is how fast things move. Or maybe it’s the way the rate of change keeps speeding up. In any case, the world is racing along and you can either run faster to keep up or be left behind breathing the dust of those leading the charge.
Of course, it’s not only business caught up in the rush. Wherever you turn the pace of change is accelerating. And so many are not equipped for it.
Think government. As we face ever greater issues demanding rapid response our governments increasingly seem to be losing their capacity to act. Oddly, the speed of communications is causing many of our institutions to become frozen in place. Systems developed when the horse was rapid transit are unable to cope with instant information and everyone with a cellphone a reporter to the world.
No matter what you think, you can’t slow things down. You can’t stop others from racing past you as you pause to grab your breath. And worse, those with ideas that will shape the future will go elsewhere if they feel stifled by your unease.
And yet, think of the opportunity if you break free from the shackles of your past and embrace change. How far can you go if you create an environment of openness and honesty where all are encouraged to share their ideas and the best are rapidly integrated into your business.
So break the bonds of inertia, bureaucracy, and status quo. Free your spirit…and your organization…to not just be dragged into the future but to be a designer of the future. Be a builder, not an anchor.
Fly.