The best innovations are disruptive. They change human behavior, turn status quo upside down, relieve stress for some, and increase stress for others (the competition, mainly). Interestingly, as we all reach for that game-changing, disruptive idea, we are simultaneously promoting the exact opposite within our organizations. Conformity, predictability, and normalcy are traits that make the days go by smoother. These are the traits that get you hired, promoted, and trusted.
These are also the traits that virtually guarantee that you will never disrupt the marketplace with any meaningful innovation.
Gordon MacKenzie observes this organizational disconnect in his wonderful book “Orbiting the Giant Hairball.” He points out that we have been programmed our entire lives to fit in. At very young ages, MacKenzie says, society insists children learn the meaning of the word “no,” the benefits of boundaries, and the value of our learned lessons.
The pressure is on us all to be normal, not outliers.
People don’t talk about normal. Normal doesn’t stand out. Normal doesn’t make a difference. Normal is just…normal.
Being disruptive means being ready to fail…often, even. It means taking risks that feel uncomfortable. It means following up the statement “we tried that before and it didn’t work” with “yeah, but we didn’t try it this way.” It means maybe, just maybe, you become remarkable.
How can your credit union inspire disruption, both inside and outside of your walls? In what ways are you poking and prodding the rules to find new ways to address human needs? It’s uncomfortable, but it’s worth it.
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Another gem of an article from the Warrior. Now, more than ever, is the time to throw off the shackles of boring, predictable, and mediocre. As an industry, we are compelled to change how we do business now, not down the line. We may not have been the cause of the financial crisis but we certainly have a responsibility to be leaders in this country’s recovery. Innovation and a progressive approach should certainly be central in that process.
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What a great posting and really hit home for me!
From an individual perspective, I’m proud to say I have never been “normal”, have never really “fit in” and have always been known for “bucking the system”....which is what lead to self employment seven years ago…lol…and not sure I would ever change any of that.
If credit unions could be the leaders and not the followers, it would be a great step forward. They’re getting there, but even in the credit card world, so many credit unions STILL look to banks to see what they’re doing with credit cards…the most recent being switching to variable rates! Haven’t we learned that banks do NOT have the answers? Can be very frustrating sometimes.
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This made me ponder myself and work habits as being either productive or disruptive. I’d like to think when Im being disruptive, its to gain the attention of those that are looking to “follow the heard”. I too, like Ondine Irving, that think credit unions are in a prime position to disrupt the normal predatory practices and create a real buzz about CU’s mantra and mission of “people helping people”. Especially during these times when people’s need for honest and reliable financial resources are so crucial. But CUs have to take the first step forward, which may mean, helping those who are already in a bind. Havent we learned that the name of the game is no longer follow or worse, wait for the leader?
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It is easy to be disruptive. All you have to do is not be normal. The trick is to change the normal…To find the the new normal or the new solutions to old & current problems.
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