WORK SYSTEMS AFFILIATES BLOG

Toss Your Organizational GPS & Get Lost - Finding Breakthrough Ideas

  

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Getting lost used to be one of my favorite things to do.

Now I worry that I "should" be somewhere on a schedule...you know, fully in control of the situation.

Problem is, that leaves no room for new ideas and thoughts.

I think I liked getting lost because I was excited to learn new routes, places and people. Now we have GPS that gives us the mindless directions we don't have to remember. How many times have you driven the same route via GPS and then tried to do it without the GPS? If you are like me, I couldn't recall the route.

When I think back to yesteryear (not waxing nostalgic, just using that phrase for effect), all I needed was a look at a map, a friend's directions of landmarks and maybe the kindness of strangers to learn a route the first time I drove it. I wasn't exactly getting lost at that point, but was so looking forward to the ride because I didn't have 100% certainty.

So, how do we apply this to our business or organization to improve the strategic direction and results? To create breakthrough systemic change, think about applying the following:

1. Get in the car and drive - find a methaphorical road you've never been on: Take an hour every week to search for and read about something that you think has no relevance to your business. The search results will have something that calls to you - follow it and see where it leads you. Extra points if you find a blog, as they tend to have other links to other places.
2. "The map is not the territory." (Alfred Korzybski) - Look at the map for general directions to keep your bearings, but realize that the even the most up-to-date technology like GPS cannot predict real-time conditions. Be adaptable and prepared to use the side roads to both avoid problems and take advantage of opportunities. In the business environment, "side roads" such as competitors, consultants or acquisitions might get you through roadblocks you hadn't anticipated.
3. Sherpas are sometimes more helpful than gurus - someone who has walked the trail a hundred times will know the nuances of it and might show you a thought-inspiring local attraction that isn't on the map. In your business, these can be customers, line workers and internal "deviants". Observing and listening to these groups will give you insights on where to go next.

In this age of information accessibility and speed, it's easy to stay with everything we know and the certainty of the data. But until you "get lost", you won't have the context of your monthly marketing or manufacturing reports.

Think about the last time you drove down a new road for the first time. You were creating a new pattern in your mind, one that didn't exist before, of how to find a new destination. This new pattern creation is where truly transformative change can take place. It can only take place if you leave the familiar roads, forget your fear and be open to getting lost.

Please share your experience and ideas around exploring uncharted territory to find new destinations for your organization!