I was reminded today by one of my good friends, who runs his family’s business, that “It’s the fear of change that keeps some people from taking the next step” - SO TRUE! And it got me thinking about how the consequences of a business that refuses to make adjustments in today's world are most severe!
Consider a company that wants to stay in business and grow, but will not take the periodic risk for fear of making a mistake. That company will not improve. “To apply some skills you have always had in a new and demanding an competitive market just because you don't like change might mean placing your company on life support.”
I suggest that we should never stop learning, as “anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at 20 or 80” - Henry Ullman. It's important to always be open to new ideas and perspectives, and to be willing to take risks and try new things.
We should also never stop trying. If we're not willing to make mistakes, we are unwilling to try and not trying means not improving. Some are just afraid to fail, while others are just focused on looking good and don’t want to do anything that might make them look silly. But it's important to remember that failure is often a necessary step on the path to success.
Lastly, we should never stop asking and seeking feedback from others. Think of these restaurants, hotels or retailers that are always asking how they can improve. Of course asking is good, but applying the answer is great. By seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism, we can identify areas where we need to improve and make the necessary changes to stay competitive.
In conclusion, those who succeed in the 21st century will be those who are willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn - this demands humility. It's important to be open to change, to take risks, and to seek feedback from others in order to continually improve and grow. As the world around us continues to evolve, it's essential that we do the same.
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