Staying Ahead of the Curve
Jack, be nimble,
Jack, be quick,
Jack, jump over
The candlestick.
Jack jumped high
Jack jumped low
Jack jumped over
and burned his toe.
Although there are probably not many candlesticks to be jumped over in today’s market, most of us are faced with “mini-fires” every day. Although there are specific disciplines that follow trained approaches to working in Lean or Agile environments, the average worker or small business owner still needs to be able to show evidence of their ability to respond quickly and effectively to changes or unforeseen events.
In a day and age where the ability to think quickly and react gracefully is critical to the success of workers, businesses, and nonprofits, it is important not to get distracted by the wrong perception of what is in the way of success.
Although we tend to assume it, youth does not ensure responsiveness. Nor does it ensure speed. There are many mature workers that can outthink and outrun younger workers when called upon to respond to a critical change. The value of their experience in similar past situations with a variety of prospective allows them the ability to think quickly and decisively. It is unfortunate that the perception that age is a problem can undermine the value gained through having had more experience in reacting to crisis and change. In contrast, the enthusiasm younger employees or entrepreneurs bring to the market place can’t be beat. The absence of excess baggage or paralyzing past failures, the willingness to think out of the box and openness to try new things are also huge advantages when trying to problem-solve in limited time.
Regardless of your role as a worker, business owner, manager or leader, the ability to stay ahead of the curve when dealing with change is an asset that cannot be replaced. Young or old, don’t allow others to make assumptions about what you can or cannot contribute. Responsiveness is a behavior that is easily made visible in everyday communications or encounters with coworkers, customers and supervisors. It is also a behavior that is very noticeable when absent. Think about the message you send others when you are slow to respond to requests, quick to complain or blame, or look to others to take the initiative to offer solutions. These are all easily changed behaviors without concerning yourself with how your age is being considered. Move on to changing what you can to keep yourself or your services fresh and marketable:
- Respond quickly to email or phone requests.
- Follow up to remind and encourage others of deadlines or needed actions.
- Be open to new ideas and new approaches.
- Plan ahead for meetings and conversations.
- Anticipate potential obstacles and be prepared with solutions.
- Follow up immediately with anyone that you have committed to.
- Stop procrastinating.
- Look for solutions and stop complaining!
Great reminders. I’m printing this and putting it on my desk as a daily reminder. In addition, I’m working to not solve everyone else’s problems just because I think I can. I’m waiting until asked for assistance.
I’m with Polly. A great list of reminders for everyday! Thanks.
This piece is very good. I agree with the recommendations. My son is 19 years old and I have observed that he and his cohort text incessantly and check and respond to Facebook constantly. Their cell phones are always in hand, and they respond to each other immediately, even when it is rude to others physically around them. But these teens do not respond to email or phone requests, they do not write thank you notes, and they rarely plan ahead. What they will be like in the world of work is hard to envision. No amount of creativity and freshness will overcome the lack of prioritization or planning or sensitivity to the needs of others, particularly those a generation older than them. I know some of their behaviors are a sign of immaturity. However, some of it is cultural. I don’t know which paradigm will win out – the “old-fashioned” customer-service model, or the “answer when and how you feel like it” (and only electronicially) model.
Great points, Erica. Since many companies are dependent on market share to contribute to their success, the race is on to communicate with both audiences.Style is one thing.But lack of follow up or follow through is entirely another.