In his keynote speech at Davis University, futurist Robert Tucker outlined Three C’s of Success: Change, Creativity, and Courage. According to Tucker, these three tenants are vital to the success of individual professionals and business leaders. After listening to Tucker’s speech, I wholeheartedly agree with him.
Change
Tucker posits that we all have to embrace change, as it’s going to occur regardless of whether we invite it or not. The world around us will continue to progress despite best efforts to maintain status quo. If we choose stagnation, we will eventually find ourselves in the dust of the innovative players who were willing to embrace the risk of the unknown. Accordingly, it’s important that to pay attention to the fluid bigger picture and respond with purpose.
Consider your thoughts to these questions:
- How has your field changed since you started your career?
- How is it evolving now?
- How have you embraced change?
- How have you resisted it?
- Are you having trouble coping with unwanted change?
- Where do you see a need for change and why?
Creativity
Perhaps the most novel point that Tucker makes is that all companies need to be in the “business of creativity”. Regardless of trade or vocation, creativity is a hallmark of successful organizations and individuals. Tucker points out that creativity has proven that value is a game-changer to companies the likes of industry giants Apple and Google. These names are synonymous with innovation and success. Their foresight of forging paths on untrodden ground catapulted them to success while their less creative, more bureaucratic competitors floundered. Bureaucratic cultures have their place in business and provide systems which are valuable in the workplace. It is important that leaders invoke a balance of tradition with innovation and actively solicit progressive ideas from their best sources of intelligence-employees and customers.
How would you assess your professional experiences?
- Are you open to creativity? Is your company?
- Are there removable barriers in place that could foster innovation?
- What type of problems have required creative solutions in the past?
- Which ‘old’ methods aren’t as productive as they once were?
- How might creativity alter your current situation?
Courage
The final “C”, Courage, is the most befitting way to round out this trifecta for success. The success of the first two “C” attributes demand that we move forward, despite uncertainty and an unknown outcome. Blazing new creative trails have long inspired novels of adventure and excitement. Armchair reading allows the reader to take the journey without risk. But real- life success isn’t attained this way. Real life requires real action. Inviting change is scary because change and creativity require vulnerability. There’s always risk involved— risk of difficulty, rejection, or failure. And the truth is, when initiating change or experimenting with creativity, you’ll experience each one of those challenges. Courage is the granite foundation that supports successful companies and individuals—without it, change and creativity can’t get off the ground.
How might your reflection on these questions impact your future choices?
- What does professional courage mean for you?
- When have you witnessed another’s courage in the workplace?
- How have you been courageous?
- Where is courage needed in your situation?
I’d love to hear examples of how has Change, Creativity and Courage have impacted your
life endeavors? Please share your experiences and perspective in the comments.
Dorothy Patrick is the founder and CEO of SPARX International™, a firm that drives profits by providing organizations with ideas, products and services that improve culture, communications and employee engagement; specializing in the leadership development and cultural integration for growing companies. Dorothy’s passion to develop successful organizations and teams is reflected in her legacy as a corporate executive with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, UBS Financial and IFCO International.
To explore needs specific to your organization, email dorothy@sparxinternational.com
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