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It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.
It is not the stongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one that is the most adaptable to change.
[Author unknown, though commonly misattributed to Charles Darwin.]
Adapt, or die.
I’m not going to spend any time running through the litany of things changing. You know what’s changing where you are, I don’t.
But I do know two things.
One, change is happening, all around me, and those that work all around me.
Second, we’ll need to adapt.
Or not. Survival is not mandatory.
Adapting means embracing that we will need to work on different things. In different ways. With different people. And with different expectations.
Adapting means we’ll need to let go of workflows and processes that we know inside and out, and begin executing workflows and processes that we aren’t familiar with, don’t believe in, and don’t trust.
Adapting means changing how we interact with peers and partners, no longer relying on our position or tenure and our ability to debate and overpower.
It’s not my way or the highway any longer.
It’s adapt or die.
This is not the least bit easy. I’ve seen too many belly up dinosaurs in my career …
Seeing the extinction up close and in real time is not a pleasing sight. Because seeing strong, intelligent, experienced, and skilled people self-destruct is just plain painful. Because it is so unfortunate.
Because it is so preventable.
It’s not about the strength of your fight. It’s not about the strength of your knowledge, or your experience, or your relationships even. It’s not about what you’ve accomplished yesterday.
It’s about bending, flexing, adjusting, learning. To be effective, in a changed tomorrow.
Changing is necessary, if you want to survive.
But survival is not mandatory.
johnponders 
Have you been reading Mr Greco…..it’s about being bamboo.
Uh oh … I’ve let you down friend … you have so skillfully called me out that I will now have to dive into that gift of yours, if for nothing else to read about being bamboo …
Glad to hear from you again! It’s been awhile!
Dan: It IS about being bamboo! Awesome! There might have to be a follow on blog post … thank you for the skillful nudge … I am into the book!
Ummm . . . are you referencing my self-destruction? LOL If so, let me just tell ya that the doom loop death spiral is exhilarating and something everyone should try at least once in their life. LOL
All kidding aside (we are kidding, right?), this was a great post, John! Thanks for a little perspective.
Erik: Your self-destruction? Nonono …
And, by the way; the doom loop spiral is exhilarating? No thanks, thank you very much … 🙂
Glad you liked!
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John,
I so enjoy your posts! I share them with my work group on a regular basis. Always a nugget that makes me think. I hope you are doing well.
Vicki Budd
Vicki,
So, here’s the real deal … I soooo enjoy that you enjoy! And it is just awesome that you share with your team … just awesome …
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Reblogged this on johnponders and commented:
What does it take to survive?
well timed blogged…and much needed thought for my mind.
John did you ever finish reading the Tao of Leadership? I think you may find an answer in there…not “THE” answer, but a rock in the path to step on.
Good luck.