So I’m a bit addicted to technology.
How about you?
My guess is a relatively high number of you are too.
According to my Google Analytics, half of the people who read this blog read it on their phone. Another 20 percent read it on their tablet. So, like me, you like your tech. (By the way, if you don’t know those numbers for your church website and blog, you should … and you should design your content and layout accordingly.)
So when the iPhone 6 was announced, I was super excited. Faster, bigger, sleeker. Count me in. (Yes, I’m that superficial.)
I got up extra early the morning the phones were available for pre-order online and, after two hours of finding only crashed websites, finally got through and ordered mine.
I went for it, and ordered the massive 6 Plus.
I think I learned as much (or more) about change in the ensuing weeks than I did about phones.
Five Quick and Dirty Leadership Lessons About Change
I’m a student of change, and have even written a book on it. It amazes me how much the dynamics of change surface in everyday life.
And if you become a student of those dynamics, you will learn how to lead change better when it counts.
So here’s what I’ve learned from my decision to get the biggest-yet iPhone 6 Plus.
1. Nobody is as excited about the change you want to make as you are.
I LOVE technology. I love new technology even more.
When I finally got the phone, I was like a kid at Christmas.
I realize that other people were excited too. Apple sold 10 million 6 and 6 Pluses in the first 72 hours after they went on sale.
But, clearly, I was not personally surrounded by all 10 million people in my immediate circle.
Lots of people I know were not so excited.
Didn’t you just get one last year? (Yes I did. But I’m dumb enough to buy again.)
It’s really not that different than other phones. (OK, but it’s bigger, right?)
It’s just a phone. (And you’re just a person.)
Principle: Whenever you introduce change, few people will be excited about it as you are.
That’s OK. Really.
If it’s a good change, it will catch on. Just keep going.
Just be prepared for indifference and ridicule.
Speaking of ridicule, on to point 2.
2. People Make Fun of Different
Android fans pointed out that my phone has the same features theirs did two years ago.
People who still send their mail with stamps asked me whether my phone bent yet.
Others who saw it asked how I liked my new iPad.
I mostly just smiled.
To those who persisted, I pointed out that Consumer’s Reports ran independent testing to show that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are no more bendable than most phones on the market. And that if mine did, I’m sure Apple would replace it.
Principle: Every change is met with resistance, even ridicule. Just get that.
As Arthur Schopenauer said:
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
