Myths of Continuity in a Discontinuous Age

Ron Martoia has a good post on myths of continuity in a discontinous age.

The sea change of structures, technology, and speed mean equilibrium as you know it will never reappear. P. Drucker

Drucker makes clear that the myths of re-established homeostasis and a return to business as usual will perish with the modern world. The following myths linger in much of our thinking, and as a result, keep us tentative and conservative in our initiatives. If we embrace the idea things will never be the same, we will take the opportunity to help create tomorrow and not tread water hoping it never arrives. Here are the myths we need to let go of and truths to embrace:

There is a critical mass that once reached will make it easer. From the size of your team to the amount of income this will be false every time. With an increase in any critical mass area you increase complexity, maintenance and potential time sucking problems. Embrace and assume it never gets better than this moment. You will work more effectively, create and accomplish.

Once my skills and knowledge are developed I will be more comfortable. Not true. The need for skill development far outpaces our ability to acquire them. Instead embrace the feel of doing it on the fly. Learn to love exhilaration, not frustration.

Pace is the problem – I just don’t have time. Welcome to reality and it won’t be getting better. Leverage your effectiveness by shrewd and ruthless selection of the truly important. This is a key every successful leader will mention to you. LASER FOCUS.

These are some great observations - we need these reminders.

An excellent book that ties in with this, is Roxburgh & Romanuk's The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World. If you are seeking to become a missional church I think this is one of those must read books. Chapter 3 on Change & Transistion is worth the price of admission.