Shock to the System
Devising a route back from Beirut where I was working during the Icelandic volcano fiasco, my focus was very much on journey opportunities. Like many people I was astonished at how a volcanic eruption in Iceland could create so much stress in transport systems around the world. For airlines the stress came from lost revenue, and for rail and ferries the stress came from overwhelming passenger demand.
This led me to reflect on the work we do at Quadrant 1, working with people and change. Some people enjoy the familiarity of routine and creature comforts. When change comes to them it is a shock to the system and just like the transport systems they are ill equipped to handle and take advantage of the change. Shock creates stress.
On the other hand some people actively embrace change and adapt easily to a new and different reality which they explore and navigate uncovering even more opportunities. Change for these people creates excitement and curiosity, not stress.
The former group are more reactionary in their approach to life. They prefer to go with the familiar and resist suggestions of change. The latter group are more pro-active in their approach to life, embracing change when it comes along, and in many cases contributing to and creating change.
The former group are reluctant to try new things often with the attitude of ‘leave it alone until it’s fully tried and tested – by other people’. They avoid risk and lead a life governed by safety and security.
The latter group are the ones who create the future by grabbing new ideas and inventions. They are the designers of change and early adopters of new thinking. People in this group take more risks and have more adventures.
Entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs are creating the future and then selling it to us. We often don’t know we want something until Jobs convinces us that we do. Many others are doing the same. Anything new has to be sold to us. Even people in the latter group may be sceptical and need convincing by scientific proof before they will adopt a new set of ideas.
Our company teaches a unique NLP (neuro linguistic programming) approach to business. One of the many insights our course attendees gain is the psychology of change. They are able to understand more about their own orientation to change as well as that of their teams and clients. They learn techniques for change, for managing sceptics, and harnessing the energy of change leaders. They learn how to model entrepreneurs and acquire their thinking strategies and much, much more. Interestingly those who attend our programmes choose to be there because they have a desire to embrace the latest in human communication, learning and change technology. They also want to harness this learning and put it to use to change the future for the better. We are continually inspired by the changes our graduates make.
Whatever your disposition and position in life, when you raise your awareness, take on fresh perspectives and learn to have more control over your future, all kinds of positive new experiences begin to happen. Some people may call this the law of attraction. We think it’s more of an art and a science since there are skills which you can use to create more of the future you really want, whether this is for yourself, for other people, for your team, your organisation or your business.
There is no need to feel that the world and other people are making life hard by creating change. You can learn how to embrace and enjoy all the opportunities that come with change. And why wouldn’t you, since change is the essence of life, to resist it is to go against nature itself.
David Molden.
