Becoming a catalyst
If someone was to ask what would we improve in our workplace, we could all run off a list of ideas on what could be improved. Take a look at this list Joel Spolsky came up with as a test for the workplace: be warned the results of this test can be fairly depressing! Whether you agree with Joel’s list or not it is very good for sparking discussion about what could be improved. And yet why is there so little positive change in so many workplaces?
I think some of it is to do with inertia: it is easier to do nothing if you are already doing nothing or do something if you are already doing something. This manifests in the work place as it is easy to maintain the status quo instead of making the improvements that everyone knows are needed. I’ve noticed this about myself as I was being groomed for a lead role. I started to get more involved in studio wide initiatives to the point now where it feels more natural being involved but I know that if I stopped it would then be easier to do nothing. A bit like writing this blog too: I can keep writing and keep it going or I can stop and if I stop for too long then this blog will die.
Getting over workplace inertia is not easy but do not be discouraged though as those that overcome inertia are noticed: as people who care enough to attempt to improve their working practices, environment and performance. And as the law of inertia suggests once you start down the path it becomes easier the further you go as you gain more momentum.
I have been thinking about this a bit and I am not sure quite how I made the change, one day I simply decided that instead of complaining about something I was going to try to fix it. As time has passed it has indeed become more natural to attempt to improve than to complain, yet I still have a strong instinct to complain about things.
Next time you find yourself complaining about something at work, try to think of a way to improve the situation and start doing it. The starting will be the hardest part but once you have some momentum it will become easier. If you can’t think of anything that could improve your workplace, then take a look at Joel’s list for inspiration and if that does not give you any ideas then please let me know where you work!
Have you been a catalyst for improvement in your work place?
