TOOL #6: BOOSTER SHOTS
Systems Question:
"What do we need to do to ensure buy-in and stay-in over time?"
In every situation we face in life, there is an entropy process occurring (the normal tendency of a system to run down and deteriorate over time), just like a car running low on fuel or the nourishment needs of your body. We need to focus continually on reversing this entropy with booster shots. “Buy-in” isn't the killer of change—it's the lack of “stay-in” over time.
Entropy Defined: All problems conform to the laws of inertia—the longer you wait, the harder the problem is to correct. Entropy is the tendency for any system to run down and eventually become inert.
Incremental Degradation: The main barrier to achieving the “fit” of all organization processes and actions with the desired values and vision is incremental degradation, where the parts wear out, bit by bit, due to lack of new energy.
In order to be effective, any system requires continual attention, booster shots, stop checks, etc. on a regular basis.
Principle:
Reverse the Entropy! Give Booster Shots.
Systems can continuously increase in complexity until they become very bureaucratic and ossified, ultimately resulting in the death of the system. All living systems require constant energy if they are to reverse this entropy process. Otherwise, all living systems eventually run down and die.
In addition, we now have a virtually limitless supply of constant feedback, which provides us with new input toward change—this is the good news in our worldwide instantaneous information transmissions.
Examples:
• While human beings and families obviously have a finite life cycle, it doesn’t have to be this way for neighborhoods, communities, and organizations. For them, the renewal process that reverses entropy is key to long-term success. As Margaret Wheatley discusses in her recent book Leadership and the New Science, chaos and disorder can lead to renewal and growth at a higher level.
• From a personal point of view, humans experience the same natural phenomenon as systems of running down and dying. If you want your career to progress, you need to focus on constant new learning, reinforcement, and adaption of existing knowledge.
• In addition, you need to embrace technology and all the changes it represents. From a business perspective, almost every job in every organization has been changed as a result of technological advances.
• Our personal lives have also been affected by the speed and pace of change in our lives, often called “Internet time.” Because of this barrage of information, real learning often requires us to hear something three or four times (repetition, repetition, repetition).
• The same is true with our children who are constantly bombarded with media stimuli. They require “Booster Shots” and reminders (repetition, repetition, repetition), which can be helpful in all aspects of their lives.
Summary–
All projects, systems and new changes have a tendency to run down and die over time.
Thus: Check-ups, Follow-ups, and Booster Shots are key to success!
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