It's a trap!

It is one of the most popular lines from any of the "Star Wars" movies and has become an internet meme. "IT'S A TRAP!" is shouted by Admiral Ackbar as the rebel fleet is caught in an ill timed offensive assault. The phrase has been rattling around in my head over the weekend. Here's why.

I spent last week at one of my all time favorite events, the HDI Annual Conference & Expo. The event is filled with great session, the most wonderful people you will ever meet, and keynote addresses that simply inspire and motivate. I always come away from the conference with many ideas (both professional and personal) and somewhat anxious to implement the ideas. This is where my trap happens.

I walk right into it every time. I believe I can make a change and get excited. I think and form a plan, determine resources, go over how to execute. Then it starts....

You can't do this
Nobody will support you
Don't rock the boat
This idea is only important to you, nobody else will care

Defeated before I ever start, simply because, I walk into my own trap.

One thing I learned this week at HDI is that I am my own worst enemy. That's a hard thing for me to admit. I'm not always positive, convince myself of things that may (or may not) be true, and generally "beat" myself up. I don't know why I do this.

I do know this. I have a lot of great friends. Friends that care enough to tell me the truth. Friends that keep me honest. Friends that want to see me succeed.


It is my responsibility to change. I'm going to determine how to be positive. Because I know that I will struggle with this, I ask you, my friends, to help keep me accountable. I am going to be positive! I'm not walking willingly into any more traps.

Disruptive technologies

The computer. The telephone. The television. The car. The wheel.

Each upset the status quo. Each changed the how humans view the world.
Each can be used for good or evil.

It always interesting to see the reaction of people when something new is introduced. Many do not want something new or something different. Many will spend their time railing against the change in hopes of keeping the change from ever happening.

"Don't rock the boat" "Leave well enough alone" "It is a good as it will ever get" "You'll never make that happen" Common phrases of those who do not want change.

Do not be afraid of change. Take a chance. Be smart and take a risk.

Rock the boat, my friends. Rock the boat.

Culture

If you asked you're team what customers think about their service delivery, do you get answers like:
"I think we're doing okay", "We don't get many complaints", "That's the way it's been for years"

Not ringing endorsements for your team or your service delivery.

Do you have a culture of metrics? storytelling? excellence?
Does your team believe you have a great culture?