It can be hell to be behind a paradigm shift instead of creating one.  Most people become paralyzed by the fear and uncertainty of seismic change. Others focus on predicting as much as possible before it happens in an attempt to react optimally. Very few learn to continually create the future they desire.

The parable of the boiled frog is a lesson of maladaptation to gradually building threats to survival. As Peter Senge describes in his classic book “The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization“:

If you place a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will immediately try to scramble out. But if you place the frog in room temperature water, and don’t scare him, he’ll stay put. Now, if the pot sits on a heat source, and if you gradually turn up the temperature, something very interesting happens. As the temperature rises from 70 to 80 degrees F., the frog will do nothing. In fact, he will show every sign of enjoying himself. As the temperature gradually increases, the frog will become groggier and groggier, until he is unable to climb out of the pot. Though there is nothing restraining him, the frog will sit there and boil. Why? Because the frog’s internal apparatus for sensing threats to survival is geared to sudden changes in his environment, not to slow, gradual changes.” (p. 22).

Paradigms are shifting in almost every industry sector. In my industry, higher education, we are seeing change we never thought we would see. Last week, my university announced that because of massive state budge cuts, it would close it’s College of Agriculture and shut down several other degree programs. In the College of Business, we are being asked to eliminate a degree in Supply Chain Management and let go of three tenured professors.

In education, I think we face a simple choice. We can take the initiative and re-create the paradigm ourselves, or we can let others create the paradigm for us.

If we dig in our heals and resist, we will squander the greatest opportunity for generative change that most of us have ever seen. I’d rather lose a battle over the budget than the war for the next paradigm.

When the temperature of change rises in your industry – JUMP! Don’t sit there and boil with the rest of the stupid frogs. The only real restraints are between your ears.

Related Posts:

ACT Change: Model Paradoxical Behavior

The Sigmoid Curve And The Paradox Of Change

ACT Change: Changes Self And System

Leadership And Real Changes

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