Fear of the unknown…a barrier to progress

In this down economy, change is crucial to survival for companies as well as individuals. To resist consideration for change is to court disaster.

I recently came to know a situation where it was evident that considerable benefit for plant operations could occur if a change in process was implemented. The proposed change would involve various plant disciplines who would be affected but had different agendas. The person receiving the proposal fully recognized the value that the change would provide for their company. They also recognized that they would personally benefit from implementing the cost cutting measures inherent in the proposal.

Ah, but the decision for change came to a halt; there was no movement and little communication about the proposal. It came to light that this individual was fearful of what their roll would be in facilitating the change (the benefit not withstanding). Fear arose at the thought of taking the proposal to their boss, let alone to the other disciplines within the organization. What would they say if asked how it would work? What would they do to make it work? What would be the personal consequences if it did not work?

The paralyzed situation came down to the fear of the unknown. The plant is not aware of the potential benefits detailed in the proposal; only the individual knew the value of the opportunity. If this fear is allowed to dominate the individual, the plant and the individual lose. And in this down economy, any cost reduction could be the difference that saves the plant and/or the individual’s job.

With a prosperous economy, the need to change is lessened. The school of thought is, “We are doing great, so don’t mess with it.” However, we are not in prosperity and all need to rethink things to regain value. We need to overcome our fear of the unknown and break through the barriers for progress to come not only to our companies but also to ourselves.