Radical Change

Today I was faced with the possibility of change in a small area of my life and its got me thinking about how people embrace change in their lives. Even though I didn't understand all the implications of this change I embraced the possibilities as it meant a new, and for me, radical way of doing things and I trust the person who was suggesting it. I could see the vision that was being put across and I wanted to be part of it!

However, the change isn't going to happen, or at least it isn't yet. The decision makers have decided that they don't want to make such radical changes at this time as the small changes we had already agreed on were more than enough. What prompted this decision seems to be lack of understanding of the issues and concern over the unknown effects of such a big change.

The changes would have meant that people would have to learn a different way of doing things, but it was also a better and ultimately cheaper way. Now we will be doing the same old things, in a slightly different way and if they work we might roll out more change later!

For me there was a real "promise of change" that meant I'd be challenged in new ways. For others they couldn't see beyond the threat of the unknown and consequently the same goals invoked a "fear of change" in them that ultimately stopped it.

At the end of the day the area where the change would have occurred is really insignificant, but it got me thinking about areas that might involve more important change. Am I someone who embraces change and sees it for the positive benefits it can bring, or am I someone who is scared of what change might involve and therefore try to stop it? Hopefully I'm the first! What about you?