The Einstein effect
Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result.
this quote has always been a favourite of mine and this year it’s my big thing with my coaching clients.
Its so true, if you don’t change things you will not improve, you will not develop and you will not grow. Too many of us fool ourselves that we are changing, but in fact we are just doing things the same.
Having worked in all 3 sectors of Public, private and voluntary, I have found the private sector is on the whole good at change. Business people seem to understand the need to stop doing things that do not work, once they realise it does not work.
But do you know what works for you and what does not? Which part of your business brings in the most cash for the least work?
It often amazes my coaching clients when we discuss this.
It’s my opinion that, Einstein’s theory is why so many Government projects fail to make a difference. it’s also true of European funded work and many local council initiatives.
We all know the problems and the initiatives that are born to solve them, .European Social funds, Single Regeneration Budget and many others come and go and we invent new ways to spend the money
For example Business Link, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Business Growth Hubs, and so on, all created to support businesses to grow, but Business Link was felt to need a change, local Enterprise Partnerships were needed and now Business Growth Hubs are popping up everywhere, all still supporting business growth and look carefully they are all run using the same basic funds and run by the same staff.
New money has arrived to solve an old problem, so we put the old resources to work on it, so what happens, they do it the way they did before! (apologies if you are working for any of these groups, I am not blaming you, just the system)
But can you see the problem? When these new initiatives come along they redo a business plan they tender for new and exciting services, they say they are looking for new innovation and creativity. But when push comes to shove and the tenders come in the scores go to the tried and trusted, because they know they can be trusted with the money and they have worked with them for years…and so innovation and creativity are lost and we are back to getting the same results as before.
Some will say this is not a bad thing, that those initiatives did not really need to change and that they do make a difference, and yes some do, but we all need a refresh and a change now and again, just ask Kylie or Madonna, 2 experts at reinvention!
So, my call to arms for 2016. Take a real good look at your business or organisation, is it insane, or is it really innovative and embracing change? If you work for an agency or funded initiative, can you be braver, are there new faces around the table and do they represent all your target groups? Lets be bold, understand what is going on in your business and if you are nor getting the results you want…change it
It exciting to think the cure for insanity is being creative and different, so do the right thing and take a chance this year.
the Kit Cat Club 