Revolutionary Thinking ….
Someone once said “A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.” This probably captures the sentiments of many as we find ourselves at the beginning of a new century … and in the midst of a disruptive 4th Industrial Revolution!
A quick look backwards and we can be encouraged that humanity has not only survived but actually thrived through three other industrial revolutions over the past four centuries. Truthfully, the historical narrative seems to fall into one of two recollections, either crediting the industrial revolutions as extraordinary jumps forward in the story of civilization or viewing them as the undeniable cause of complete and utter disaster for the human race.
Either way, they were bumpy, uncomfortable and definitely disruptive.
THOUGHT PAUSE: What do you think, Industrial Revolution – good or bad for civilization?
Humanity seems hardwired to forget about the really challenging parts of any change or transformation. This is actually a great universal design feature we have because it keeps us hopeful and desiring better. The cost of optimism, however, is a selective memory around the very real struggle of working to live, of seeking stability in the midst of turmoil and uncertainties and of having change done to us – not with us.
We forget about much of the pain of change until history repeats itself, we find ourselves in the middle of the swirl of disruption, and all the memories come back in living color with a déjà vu vibe that is more unsettling than comforting.
THOUGHT PAUSE: How do you embrace/avoid change?
“Change is the only constant”
I am an avid supporter of change. I’ve lived a life of change through a dynamic military upbringing and as an adult, I chose to make a career out of helping others navigate uncertainties in their business lives. I seek out change, those who know me well say I crave it. Weird? Perhaps. But I’ve learned long ago that when the wild winds of change start blowing, it’s best not to try to outrun them, hide from them or ignore them. It’s best to simply jump on board and harness the power of possibilities from them until the storm passes and the winds settle down into cool breezes. Winds of change by the way, much like actual winds, are a renewable resource. They keep coming around and you can be energized by them or be destroyed by them – the choice is yours.
Important point of clarification here. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. I am not about change for the sake of change – I call that chaos. Change for the sake of progress, however, ignites me with enthusiasm of opportunity. Why? Because I believe change (including industrial revolutions), with all its inherent risks and bumpy rides, holds opportunities to break dysfunctional patterns that no longer serve us. It also frees us up to begin to unleash possibilities that may provide scalable solutions to many human issues. And that gives me great hope.
“Revolutions are the locomotives of history”
Progress is NOT possible without change. Change brings new capabilities and new capacities:
Capabilities in humans and business that ensures survival and relevance (think COVID-19 pivots of service delivery changes).
Capacities in cultural awareness, understanding and acceptance (think “me too”, “BLM”, Marriage rights changes).
Capabilities that unleash new innovations and opportunities (think e-cars, space exploration, working from anywhere, anytime and on any device changes).
THOUGHT PAUSE: What progress in your lifetime has been transformative in how you do business? How you live life?
We get to transform civilization!
Digital transformation has already been identified as the 4th Industrial Revolution for civilization. Much like its predecessors, this industrial revolution is disruptive, often uncomfortable (some say frightening!) and about so much more than just tools and technology. It is about re-invention of business, innovation, people and culture. It is about leveraging the capabilities and capacities unleashed with the winds of digital transformation to radically evolve the way we work and improve our quality of life on this planet. Much like what the wheel, horse power, steam, water, electricity, technology, etc. did for earlier civilization.
Just like the previous revolutions, it’s also not going to happen next year or in the next 10 years. Evolution from revolution takes a generation to emerge and move forward into the next revolution. That is why we call it transformation – it does not have a start/stop date or known destination. It simply continues to evolve under the unpredictable constraints of humanity.
What is the story that will be told?
The next generation will be standing on our shoulders. Just like you are from those who rode the winds of change in previous revolutions. We are currently contributing to the story of civilization. In 2120, what do you want people to say about this period in history – this 4th industrial revolution? Are you riding the waves of change? Are you terrified and holding on for your life? Are you contributing to possibilities? Will this destroy us? Will it embolden us? We get to write the story. And YOU get to decide on which side of history you want to land.
THOUGHT PAUSE: What is the view and legacy you want to leave them?
What ever it is … may I encourage you to start doing that today. Legacies, in business or life, are ONLY formed by lives lived.
Onwards and upwards history makers!