November 2024
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Sir Isaac Newton 1643-1727
In his first book, “The Tipping Point,” and now in his recent book (new last month), “Revenge of the Tipping Point,” Malcolm Gladwell repeats his belief that we should be “creating epidemics” in our companies and in our lives. Sound ominous (ha)? Let’s look at Merriam Webster’s definition of an epidemic: “…an outbreak of sudden, localized incidence…that spreads rapidly…,” whereas a pandemic is a type of epidemic, one with greater range and coverage. Malcolm tells us, however, that an epidemic or a pandemic does not necessarily have to be a disease! It can just as well be a thought pattern, product, or some positive action or values. The Beatles were first an epidemic in England before they became a worldwide pandemic. You and your company, department, office, family, etc. should be working each day to create a positive “epidemic” that nay at some point develop into a positive “pandemic.”
In his autobiography, “Straight from The Gut,” Jack Welch remarks, “If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.” I think that Jack would agree that a good epidemic can be very helpful in addressing change.
So how do we initiate these changes needed? It seems we should work to create a positive epidemic, and maybe a pandemic, as we seek to grow our companies and improve our operations. We can make these changes by either “linear growth” or “exponential growth.” With exponential growth, we can assume unlimited resources, while with linear growth, we assume that the resources will be limited. If your leadership skills are “linear” you can tap leader after leader until your resources become your limiting factor. However, if you are an “exponential” leader, you can create leaders that make more leaders that make more leaders, who make more leaders. It is limitless. You then may well have created a true epidemic that may at some point become a pandemic.
Is it time to consider if we have the right information and the right people to create our epidemic? Are those standing on our shoulders making more leaders or are they just “standing there”?? Are you and your company “linear” or “exponential” leaders? One thing for sure is that we, our teams, our companies, or even our families will be well served by creating a strong positive epidemic!
“Those who knew all were not talking much, and those that knew little were talking a great deal.”
A quote sometimes attributed to John Quincy Adams
Most managers are stuck in maintaining the status quo. This is the mindset shift needed to break free.
Fast Company Magazine
And, in closing, please join me in wishing the United States Marine Corps a Happy 249th birthday!
My dad served in the Marines during World War II, and he was “always faithful.”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL
Michael M. Carney mr.mikecarney@gmail.com
A special thank you to my support team!
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