Session 4 - "It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory" -W. Edwards Deming

In summary, this week's lesson is centered on the different factors that spur world change as well as how we can respond, manage or lead such changes. 


One of the key-takeaways from this lesson will be the difference between evolutionary change and revolutionary change. Disruptive changes are brought about by revolutionary innovations. These are irreversible changes that happen rather quickly and triggered by the reinvention of a technology, that completely changes the way things are done. On the other hand, evolutionary changes happens over a period of time and its impacts are subtle. 


I realized the lesson emphasized more on revolutionary changes. So, why is the focus on revolutionary changes? I suggests it is because we live in a fast-paced knowledge-based society today. There is no time to wait for evolutionary changes to occur, one must take the initiative to carry out revolutionary changes in order to gain a comparative advantage and edge over competition. Revolutionary changes are also innovations which is highly valued in the type of society we live in now - people are always hungry for novelty. However, adapting to such changes is even more important which leads to my next key-takeaway. 


Apparently, there is also a difference in leading and managing change. Oddly, this reminds me of Leadership and Team building lessons again. 


"The manager does the right things, the leader does things right."


I like the sentence above very much. It is so true. The leader ensures that the organization is striving towards the right goals and direction while the managers implements appropriate strategies to reach those goals. However, i think it is important to point out that there is also a great need for collaboration between the leader and manager to ensure that there is a mutual understanding. Or else, there will be a breach in psychological contract and misunderstanding will arise. Hence, effective communication is necessary- leaders must expressly communicate the goals to the managers and the managers must show the detailed steps to reach them in order for change to take place. 


How about responding to changes? I find the birds' analogy an interesting concept! In response to changes, one can either: Be an eagle, an ostrich or a dodo bird! As much as it is easy to be an ostrich or dodo bird, it is equally disadvantageous to hide from or be oblivious to changes. The best approach is to be an eagle, to embrace and adapt to changes. Yet, it is easier said than done. Adapting to changes requires one to come out of his/her comfort zone and that in turn, requires courage. 


For example, my mother just created a facebook account. Initially, she is worried about security issues and infringement of her privacy. However, if she doesn't become my facebook friend, it is almost impossible for her to know what i actually do outside home since my daily activities can almost be tracked on FB. Hence, i guess i can say that she is an eagle? Because she adapts to social networking, something that was alien to her, in return for benefits. Haha, not sure if this example is appropriate/relevant though...


Lastly, an issue for further discussion could be on CO-OPETITION (credits to brian who presented on it and daniel who googled for its spelling). Co-opetition is a hybrid of cooperation and competition and is the term coined for the teaming up of two rival companies. But I'm confused. Although it prevents unnecessary and destructive competition which results in wastage of resources due to duplication, can co-opetition really exist? I don't think rivals can cooperate fully. Parties will want to triumph over their rivals and with this motive, co-operation will not be successful. 

Illustration of Co-opetition 

I rate this lesson 7/10.