I recently shared this quote with a few teachers when I gifted them a book.
“In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” ~ Eric Hoffer
In a conversation with another educator this weekend we talked about the fact that we both knew some people who were terribly upset about technology upgrades because it took them out of their comfort zones. This isn’t just a fear of change, it’s also a frustration about not having everything where it ‘should be’. It can be hard to lose your favourites on your browser, if you never signed in and saved them. It can be frustrating to sign into all your accounts again, or to re-setup all your quick shortcuts (again).
But maybe this becomes the time that this person can learn to sign into their browser and take their favourites with them wherever they go. Maybe they can begin to use the cloud to save their documents rather than their hard drive. But they won’t do this without help.
We can share fancy quotes about the importance of lifelong learning, but if we aren’t helping to foster adult learners on their journey, then are we fostering a learning culture ourselves? Everyone is on their own journey with their own comfort levels. When we push people out of their comfort zones, we need to provide the scaffolding and support so that they can learn and adapt. That doesn’t mean that we keep people in their comfort zone, that we don’t make the need to change… But it does mean that too much frustration without support leads to people shutting down rather than being willing to change.
Change can be perceived in three ways – renewal, growth or upheaval.
Renewal, such as the change in seasons (spring in particular) is most often met with optimism and a sense of joy.
Growth, such as finishing a book, course or project, provides a sense of accomplishment. We celebrate these moments.
But when change occurs through upheaval or chaos, it evokes a sense of dread or fear. It can shatter our confidence.
A lesson I learned while backpacking around the world, when every day was filled with change… even the most adventuresome traveler needs some stability.
If we expect our people to success, we need to ensure we incorporate some stability into our change management processes.
Very well said. It is so important for us to ensure that people feel supported during times of change!
I wrote this post a few years ago: https://pairadimes.davidtruss.com/leading-change-3-images/
The image on Inspiring Change makes 3 points:
• create a common vision and purpose
• provide necessary support
• invite collaboration
In each of these examples stability is key.
Thanks so much for your insightful comment!