There’s a tension between two forces that dictate the evolution of culture. I find this true of society, the public sector and within businesses.
The first force is driven by curiosity and a dissatisfaction with the present. People who buy into the first force believe the best is yet to come, and that there are things we need to do to accelerate into that more prosperous future.
The second force believes that the present is delivering and that change could see people miss out on everything the status quo has to offer. People in this space understand change is inevitable but want to slow the advance to a new future.
It is a good idea to ask the questions; what do you believe, and what do the people around you believe? Do you work for an organisation who wants to hold onto the present, or wants to run towards a better future? Do you live in a country where the best is yet to come, or is there a need to slow things down, maybe even turn back to rediscover a better way?
Is open source, or is closed source the smart way to make money?
Are you hoping that people around you become more informed, or do you want to hold onto your knowledge because it gives you an unfair advantage?
Do you believe that we should jump into renewables, or should we slow down and not be too rash?
Are you for transparency or do you believe there are things people shouldn’t know?
Should employees have more autonomy, or should we control them to make sure they deliver what is required?
Are you confident about the future, or do you fear what might happen?
Cash cow, or shooting star?
More obedience or more exploration?
Examination or experimentation?
Strength or compassion?
Power or prosperity?
Change or persist?
Look around, think about your life. Does your day feel like a struggle or is getting through the day mostly effortless? If you’re struggling it might be time to either change where you are or to change how you see where you are.