New Business Ideas 4 U

In the previous postings, we explored the authors’ concept of levels of mental complexity. This was a new concept to me, and it probably is to you too, so we should explore it a bit further, because it is important to understand it since the rest of the book is based on it.

The following table explains the concept in a bit more detail:

The Three Adult Plateaus Described

So what does all that mean?

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In the previous posting we introduced one of the key foundation ideas of the book Immunity to Change, which was the concept of the three levels of mental complexity. The concept needs further exploration.

The bulk of the population are on or around the second plateau, the self-authoring mind, the characteristics of which are:

Moving through the Levels

The thinking at level 1 is very concrete – very black and white. As one moves to levels 2 and 3, the landscape becomes much greyer.

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Immunity to Change is a meaty book, as befits the results of the 25 years of practical experience of the authors. But note the word ‘practical’. Although the authors are academics, they have clearly spent a long time in the real world and they have come up with a very interesting approach which has the potential to bring about some serious changes in thinking in managerial and HR circles.

They introduce two new concepts very early in the book, an it is important that these are understood before you can get the most out of the bulk of the book.

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Promote yourself to propel yourself

If this sounds like an invitation to play trills on your own trumpet, you need to think again. Larina Kase makes a very valid point when she says: ‘We need to overcome the fear of self-promotion because research has shown that visibility and connections are the most powerful predictors of promotions. This means that you can be the best person in the world at what you do, but if your results are the world’s best kept secret, you will be too.’ 

If you blow your own trumpet, you are seen as a bragger. So? Have someone else blow your trumpet and one of the best ways to ensure that this happens is to find a business need within your organization and fill it – and do a good job. Then people will notice you and do your bragging for you. Read the rest of this entry »