When we start the process of learning to apply the Science of Improvement in practice we need to start within our circle of influence.
It is just easier, quicker and safer to begin there – and to build our capability, experience and confidence in steps.
And when we get the inevitable ‘amazing’ result it is natural and reasonable for us to want to share the good news with others. We crossed the finish line first and we want to celebrate. And that is exactly what we need to do.
We just need to be careful how we do it.
We need to be careful not to unintentionally broadcast an “I am Great (and You are Not)” message – because if we do that we will make further change even more difficult.
Competition can be healthy or unhealthy … just as scepticism can be.
We want to foster healthy competition … and to do that we have to do something that can feel counter-intuitive … we have to listen to our competitors; and we have to learn from them; and we have to share our discoveries with them.
Eh?
Just picture these two scenarios in your mind’s eye:
Scenario One: The competition is a war. There can only be one winner … the strongest, most daring, most cunning, most ruthless, most feared competitor. So secrecy and ingenuity are needed. Information must be hoarded. Untruths and confusion must be spread.
Scenario Two: The competition is a race. There can only be one winner … the strongest, most resilient, hardest working, fastest learning, most innovative, most admired competitor. So openness and humility are needed. Information must be shared. Truths and clarity must be spread.
Compare the likely outcomes of the two scenarios.
Which one sounds the more productive, more rewarding and more enjoyable?
So the challenge for the champions of improvement is to appreciate and to practice a different version of the “I’m Great … ” mantra …
I’m Great (And So Are You).