Competitive Immunity is a compelling idea, especially in these hyper-competitive times. But before setting out on this path, it’s wise to consider the obstacles you’ll inevitably face along the way.
“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” — Frank A. Clark
Roadblock #1: Comfort Zone
Each of us has a Comfort Zone. We love to stay there because it’s familiar, it holds no surprises, it’s safe. It is known territory, and we are masters within it.
The problem is that all learning, all growth, all change lies outside the Comfort Zone. Inside, we are as good as we’re ever going to be. It is only outside that we can chart a new course for ourselves.
“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.”
— John F. Kennedy
Organizations have Comfort Zones, too. When an organization has enjoyed success, it becomes extremely difficult to make significant changes. Newton’s First Law of Motion (an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force) applies to organizations, as well. Unless forced out of their Comfort Zone by a crisis or by intentional choice, organizations will stick with the familiar, making only incremental changes so as to minimize damaging their success pattern.
Roadblock #2: Fear
Fear can prevent the innovation required for Competitive Immunity. For an individual leader, it can be the fear of looking bad, of failure, of being wrong. For an organization, it can be a fear of challenging the status quo, of speaking up, of taking risks, of losing customers.
“To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.” — Katherine Paterson
When a leader and an organization are operating out of Fear, time, energy, and resources are focused on staying safe and avoiding risk, responsibility, and accountability. All of which leaves little left for learning, trying new things, and forging a different path forward.
Fear is not a strategy…at least, not one that leads to success.
Roadblock #3: Urgent vs. Important
Another common roadblock to Competitive Immunity is the failure to recognize the difference between the Urgent and the Important, which leads to focusing all efforts on the former at the expense of the latter.
It can be more comfortable dealing with the Urgent (see “Comfort Zone”) because it may provide a sense of progress. And after all, if we don’t take care of the Urgent, we could lose everything! But that’s based on a belief that eventually, the Urgent will be reduced, and then we can focus on other things. For example, growth, progress, and long-term success. But there will always be the Urgent.
“One of the most important things in Life is to decide what is most important.” — Bill Montgomery
Failing to identify and take action on the Important will mean that you are always at the mercy of Change: unplanned, unintentional, discontinuous Change. The waves and wind are steering your ship, and your best reactions may still leave you dashed against the rocks.
Roadblock #4: Activity vs. Achievement
A close cousin to Urgent vs. Important is mistaking Activity for Achievement. Often we feel satisfied because we are remarkably busy, so busy that we fail to consider if all our activity is moving us forward.
“Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.”
— Alfred A. Montaport
And more to the point when it comes to Competitive Immunity, is it getting us closer to (or farther away from) what we want to achieve?
Achievement means progress. Activity means…well…just activity.
Roadblock #5: Baby Steps
Making Incremental changes might eventually lead to success…if you don’t run out of time. In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s a doomed strategy.
Incrementalism can sneak up on an organization. At its heart lies Fear: of making a mistake, moving too quickly, disrupting the enterprise. Aspirations such as Competitive Immunity simply can’t be reached with small, gradual, safe changes.
“Making cosmetic changes in an organization without making fundamental changes is like putting lipstick on a bulldog: the bulldog is still ugly, and now it’s angry.” — Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Removing Roadblocks
Competitive Immunity requires Courage and creating Intentional Change. We have to be willing to:
- Leave our Comfort Zone and thus expand it.
- Acknowledge yet choose not to be trapped by Fear.
- Identify and prioritize what’s Important and resist the pull of the Urgent.
- Focus on Achievement and refuse to settle for mere Activity.
- Take bold moves and make significant Changes.
Roadblocks there may be on the path to Competitive Immunity. But with courage and commitment, you can clear a path toward unlimited success.
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”— Louisa May Alcott
Ready to move toward Competitive Immunity?
Go to successauthorities.com to start your journey.