The Risks of the Status Quo

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What happens early in life can define us later. 

Grace Hooper was a curious child. She was constantly in search of understanding how things worked and operated. When she was 7, she wanted to understand how clocks worked, so she dismantled seven of them to gain a better understand of their operating system. When her mother found out what little Grace was doing, she limited her to only one clock. 

Grace went on to attend Vassar College, then received her Master’s degree from Yale in mathematics and physics. With her educational background, she attempted to gain entry in the Navy to help serve during World War II.

When she was denied due to her lack of height and weight ratio, she wasn’t deterred her from joining the Navy Reserves. During her time helping the government at the Bureau of Ships, she served on the Mark I computer programing staff, directed by Howard H. Aiken. 

Hopper became a key figure in the development of early computing languages. She coined the term "compiler" and developed one of the first compilers for programming languages, which translated human-readable instructions into machine code. Her work on the UNIVAC I, the first commercial electronic computer, further solidified her legacy in computing. 

Here are her most notable achievements in Computer Science:

· Development of COBOL: She played a crucial role in creating COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), which is still widely used today for business applications.

· Flow-Matic. This was one of the first English-language data processing compliers that influenced COBOL’S design. 

But her most significant contribution came from keeping a clock backwards in her office. 

"Humans are allergic to change,” she said. “They love to say, 'We've always done it this way.' I try to fight that. That's why I have a clock on my wall that runs counterclockwise."

The phrase "we have always done it this way" often reflects a resistance to change or a reliance on tradition. But while there can be comfort in established methods, it's essential to evaluate the implications of sticking to the status quo.

Why People Use This Phrase, they indicate:

1. Comfort with Familiarity: People tend to gravitate towards methods that are tried and tested, providing a sense of security.

2. Fear of Change: Change can be daunting. This phrase may signal apprehension about new approaches or technologies.

3. Cultural Norms: In some organizations or communities, traditions hold significant value, making change feel like a threat to identity.

The Risks of Stagnation:

1. Missed Opportunities: Clinging to old methods can prevent innovation and improvement, leading to missed opportunities for growth.

2. Inefficiency: What worked in the past may no longer be effective. Sticking to outdated practices can hinder productivity.

3. Resistance from Others: New team members or stakeholders may feel stifled if they encounter a rigid mindset.

Encouraging a Shift in Perspective:

1. Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where team members can express their thoughts on current practices and suggest alternatives.

2. Pilot Programs: Implement small-scale trials of new methods to assess their effectiveness without fully committing.

3. Emphasize Benefits: Highlight the potential advantages of change, such as increased efficiency, improved morale, or better outcomes.

While tradition has its place, it's crucial to remain open to new ideas and methods. Embracing change can lead to innovation, efficiency and a more dynamic environment. By questioning the status quo, organizations and individuals can unlock new potential and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. 

And all we need to do is thank Rear Admiral Grace Hooper for this perspective. 

Seminar: Assessing Our Teams 

It's never too late to change your team's fate. Whether you’re leading a basketball team, sales team, or college, making impactful mid-year adjustments starts with an effective evaluation. On October 16th at 2pm EDT/11am PDT, learn how top sports leaders evaluate their teams and make league-winning adjustments.

Limited to the first 400 registrants! 

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