Do you know that the Apollo 11 space capsule that landed men on the moon in 1969 had less computing power than your washing machine? Incredible as it may seem, it’s true.
Technology continues to impact every aspect of our lives, including work, family, play, health, education, you name it. While change has always existed, the speed of change has been accelerating. Indeed, evolution might give you time to adjust, but revolution usually catches you by surprise.
World events from politics to the economy to our very social fabric prove that the winds of change are not only enormous, but often unpredictable. If such changes occur with such force and speed, what are the imperatives for the average business, and more specifically, the SME’s (small and medium size firms)?
Here are five imperatives I want to share with you. At the end of each one, I will ask a question that may help test your readiness in a practical way.
Stay up to date by seeking knowledge and by being constantly open to learn new things. Henry Ford said it best: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”
Q: When is the last time you or members of your team enrolled in a seminar or a course?
Embrace the changes happening around you and do not resist them. Pick what is good and set boundaries for what is not. There are usually exceptional opportunities hidden in the midst of change.
Q: When was the last time you introduced a new product or service? How much did the new products and services introduced in the last two years contribute to your sales?
Invest in people and constantly equip your team. Teach them to manage and decide without the use of a manual. Empower them to solve, create, experiment and innovate. If training was important yesterday, training is your key to succeed today. Invest in the training of your people with discipline and consistency.
Q: How much do you invest in Training and Development every year? How many days on average are dedicated to training your employees each year?
Change your mind and learn from your mistakes. Our mistakes are truly gifts, as they contribute to our growth and help us build muscles of wisdom. Train your organization to learn from its errors. Aim at doing things with excellence, not perfection.
Q: Can you remember the last three big mistakes done by your organization? What did you learn and how were these mistakes handled?
Seek advice and counsel of smart people and surround yourself with men and women who are experienced, trustworthy and not afraid to speak their mind.
Q They say it is lonely at the top. Who do you go to in order to seek advice and counsel? Have you ever considered creating an Advisory Board?
The pace of change has quickened in today’s business environment and disruptive changes can represent a true nightmare for some but great opportunities for others. These five imperatives and key questions can help you become a better leader.
On another note now, here is another key question I could not answer: If my washing machine has more computing power than the Apollo 11 space capsule, does this mean my washing machine can make it to the moon?