Change is inevitable and regardless if the change is good or bad, it often will happen when you least expect it. What is interesting about change is that we are the creators of change but yet we are the first to label change with a negative connotation. Instead of blaming change or giving it a negative connotation, instead we should embrace it and use it to our advantages which means we need to be the “tribe leaders” (Godin, 2009). In this video blog analysis I will be answering and addressing the following five (5) questions below:
How do you react when you hear colleagues using some of the excuses listed in the 50 Reasons Not to Change graphic?
In the 50 Reasons Not to Change presentation, the one that I hear often is, “It needs further investigation” which always seems to upset me immediately. I often wonder if people think that I haven’t done my own investigation and have weighed out the pros and cons. Just because a person is not an employee with a flashy title, does not mean that their ideas for change are invalid. In a previous job I had, I often tried to find my voice and find ways in which to change certain processes and I never was successful because the “investigation” word always appeared but no further actions were taken. It took me leaving my previous position and starting my current position to get a voice and be heard. It is so empowering for a person who desperately wants to make changes to an organization, who knows the risks, and is ready to lead to be given the ability to do so. I am a big advocate for women leaders because I believe that women have a lot more to offer and it pains me because many of the excuses in the reasons to change are often coming from women who are afraid to “lean in” (Sandberg) and demand to be heard and make the changes that are necessary for success.
Do you ever use any of these excuses yourself?
I think anyone who says they do not use these excuses is point blank lying. I have used many of these excuses in the past when I felt as though I didn’t have the support to enact change but as I have gotten older, had more professional experiences, and continued my educational journey, I feel more empowered to state when I feel as though things need to be changed. It is my belief that if a person feels empowered in their position or their experiences than they are less likely to give excuses but will continue to try even if that means failing in the process.
How can you overcome the thinking that creates those responses to change efforts?
People need to have confidence and feel as though they are empowered by people around them. More often than not, people will not raise their hand to ask the hard questions because they are afraid of upsetting others but as Seth Godin stated, you can’t make a change if you are not upsetting, connecting, or leading people (2009). I think it is very important to start teaching our youth that you have to ask the questions, demand the answers, and stay persistent in this new globalized world in order to create changes and movements. I am sure my teachers from my childhood would remember me as “that kid who wouldn’t stop asking why” because I always wanted to know more and push the limits; I suppose I am still that way today but I think it is making me a stronger leader.
Do you agree with Seth Godin’s concept that change is driven by tribes?
I agree 100% and I have to start off by saying I loved this TED video. This TED video was very eye opening and made me want to create a movement and make a change especially when he spoke of the Sheep Walker example. I know what I don’t want to be that person but instead I want to be the black sheep trying to get everyone together to connect and move towards changes and the betterment of a specific cause. I never thought of the fact that I am influenced and can influence others by tribes but all of the examples are pure examples of how tribes create change and that it’s not about shelf space and Neiman Marcus but it’s about reaching people all over the world through a pair of shoes at a time.
What can you take away from this exercise to immediately use in your career?
For most of my life I have been the person to say what is on my mind and standup for what is right even if that meant a longer and harder battle with opposition. This exercise solidified that in order to create change and make a difference we have to stop making excuses and empower one another with the strength to move mountains. What I plan to take away from this exercise is the example presented in the TED video which is Tell a Story > Connect a Tribe > Lead a Movement > Make a Change.
References
Godin, S. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/seth_godin_on_the_tribes_we_lead.html
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