Calculated Thought in a Random Universe

This is a re-post of something I wrote on DotSign Directives, a DotSign blog with tips and techniques on marketing and leadership for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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“The only certainty is uncertainty; the only thing that remains the same is the inevitable guarantee of change.”

The current global economic crisis has taken many by surprise, yet look around most of the USA and you can find evidence that the wheel of progress keeps turning. While “going out of business” sales and home foreclosure signs litter the landscape, there are also grand openings, infrastructure development, and new construction. The key point to note is that both progression and regression are results of change. How have you and your company managed change? Companies which constantly innovate and transform themselves to adapt to a changing marketplace are the ones best positioned for long term success. To that end, let’s examine a few points:

1. Change is continuous and never stops.

A popular saying in the great state of Michigan is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes!” While the ability to predict the future or to be completely ready for every possible situation is clearly impossible, try employing the “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst.” mindset (Ziglar). At first, this might seem counterintuitive or contradictory, but this approach forces you to A) focus on where you are going and B) develop contingency plans to deal with the temporary setbacks and stumbling blocks along the way. Also, the human invention of time allows us to divide change into more manageable chunks. Find the appropriate measure of time to either implement a change you want or to deal with a change that is beyond your control. Are you ready for what is bound to happen in the next 15 minutes?

2. Change is not permanent – because things are always changing!

This concept is perhaps most evident in the world of consumer electronics. Phonograph, radio, 8-track, stereo cassette, CD, MP3…what’s next? Whether your business makes a product or provides a service, you must realize that this product or service will only be relevant for a finite amount of time. History shows that companies which either continuously improve their products and services or innovate by creating new products and services are the companies that stick around. For all the erroneous claims that General Motors is an “old economy dinosaur”, check out some of these innovations that came from the company over its 100 year history. Another example is IBM, which started making punch card machines at the beginning of the 20th century and transformed itself into a leading IT services company today.

3. Change is not inherently good or bad.

Just like the weather, change just happens. Therefore, you can choose to love it, loathe it, or leverage it! People usually associate change with risk, and since most people are risk averse, it’s no surprise why most people fear change. However, rainy days are the umbrella maker’s best friends…

Time to check your watch – because your 15 minutes are up!