How To Shift The Paradigm
6/15/08 by Darby Giannone
A paradigm is the frame or lens though which you view the world. It is based on your belief system, encompasses your values, dictates acceptable behavior, helps you solve problems and generates your ideas of future possibilities. In a “standard operating” situation, your paradigm allows you to make quick decisions in a consistent manner with reliable results. In a complex and fast paced situation, your paradigm acts as a filter that helps you choose the factors you deal with in the problem solving and decision making process.
Here-in lies the rub! People who experience success believe their way is the best way even in the face of evidence to the contrary. They adopt the trappings of change without making the fundamental changes in their paradigm that new problems require. Some people, in fact, do not recognize the problems that new situations pose because the problems are outside of their experience and cognitive thought patterns.
A paradigm shift occurs when a person admits to the discrepancy between the problems occurring and the number of problems solved successfully using current methods and seeks new information, skills and ways of operating outside of current practice. These new ways of identifying, posing and solving problems generally come from “fringe” theorists, industries and leaders.
As summarized by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan, “This era will require a new breed of no-nonsense leader whom we call the complete businessperson. The personality traits that traditionally get people onto the fast track, such as presence and communication skills, forcefulness, and the ability to motivate, aren’t enough. Confronting reality requires business savvy and an unquenchable thirst to know, including the willingness to seek out diverse viewpoints and unorthodox ideas.”
What viewpoints and ideas make you uncomfortable?
What viewpoints and ideas do you consider ridiculous?
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