Technology Accelerates Change
Technology Accelerates Change
Change is not new, but modern technology is accelerating the pace of change.
My grandmother was born in 1900 and when she died in 1972, she had witnessed the greatest amount of change seen by any generation, since the dawn of time.
When she was a child, everyone she knew travelled either on foot, bicycle or horse. By 1972 she had witnessed the introduction of electricity, cars, radio, TV, mass media, aeroplanes, nuclear weapons, nuclear power and space travel to the moon and Mars.
The pace of change has continued to increase, especially with the advent of smartphones and the internet, genetic engineering, information science, facial recognition and nanotechnology.
Rules to Manage Change.
Put in place these rules to manage the accelerated pace of change.
1. Embrace it.
Don't try to fight change. Life on Earth is based upon evolutionary change.
Those who fail to adapt themselves to changing circumstances, become extinct.
If you want to stay in the game, then embrace change.
2. Surround yourself with young people.
People younger than you are still growing and adapting.
They are very adept at the new technology, because for them, it is not new technology, it is just "the way things are".
My 6-year-old granddaughter manages her tablet as if it were a part of her brain. Young people can teach you how to use new tech.
3. Recognise that fundamental truths never change.
Although technology changes, human nature does not.
Humans have been on the earth for 300,000 years, and our basic instincts are unchanged by technology.
Technology simply makes things happen faster.
So, people use technology to create and destroy with ever greater efficiency.
To manage change, manage yourself:
- Be clear in your thoughts, goals and language.
- Be rational in your plans, actions and re-actions.
- Be positive in your attitudes, intentions and emotions.
Change Management Training
We run a fantastic Change Management Course to help you manage change in your organisation and empower people to willingly accept and adapt to change.
Definition: Change management
Change management is a business process that maps a clear route from how things work now to how they need to work next, keeps staff informed and skilled, protects daily work from big shocks, and checks progress until the new way of working sticks and shows true gains.
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- Draws a clear plan to move work from the old way to the new way.
- Talks with and trains people so they accept and use the change.
- Limits risk and keeps daily tasks running while change happens.
- Checks use and gains until the new way becomes normal.
Article Summary
Technology speeds up change beyond our control, so the smart path is to welcome new tools, learn from younger minds, keep timeless values firm, and train teams to adapt with skill and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why does modern technology speed up the pace of change?
How can I embrace change instead of resisting it?
What role do young people play in technology change?
Do fundamental human truths alter with new technology?
Why is clear thinking vital during rapid change?
How can I adapt to new technology at work?
What simple rules help manage today’s pace of change?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2023 McKinsey Global Survey says 64 per cent of firms sped up their digital change work by at least six months between 2020 and 2023. PwC’s Global Workforce study 2024 finds 46 per cent of workers think their skills will be out of date within five years if they do not keep learning.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Change Management
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Change Should be an Evolution, Not a Revolution
Learn how evolutionary change over small, steady steps lifts success, eases staff fatigue and doubles results, making change management safer and effective.
Read Article > -
Why do people resist change?
People resist change because habits feel safe and uncertainty risky. Learn why we cling to familiar ways and gain steps to build new habits and embrace change.
Read Article > -
Managing Negative Attitudes To Change
Master change management by guiding staff talk. Shift chat from fear and nostalgia to facts and future plans, cut resistance and speed your team's progress.
Read Article > -
Management training: Continuous improvement cycle
Boost team output with management training that teaches the six step continuous improvement cycle: set goals, plan, act, get feedback, adjust and repeat.
Read Article > -
How can I get people to change?
Need employee change? Appeal to self interest, stress long-term gains and break big moves into small steps. Use these 3 rules to overcome resistance at work.
Read Article >
Looking for Change Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Change Management Skills, you may find this Change Management Training Course beneficial:
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In-House Course Available Call us on 020 3856 3037 to discuss your requirements or