When I think of this, I am drawn to something with a processor or engine or something that is mechanical. A computer can become obsolete, as can a plane or car or some type of TV. Obsolescence is essentially when something, while still working, has become less than desirable. Typically this is due to something else, a replacement being more efficient or faster, better, cooler and maybe even it smells nicer. Sometimes it is functional, other times it is mechanical or style. And other times it may simply be “time to go”. When researching this, something struck me. A statement suggested that obsolescence is typically preceded by a lessening degree of popularity. You become obsolete when others do not think you are “it” anymore.
What if it is you? You are no longer popular. I have had a conversation lately that made complete sense to me. A client said something to effect, “you will become obsolete.” His point of view spoke to the limited nature of hiring a speaker, having them attend a session and then the client has to factor what happens next after the speaker leaves. He was wondering what things could assist adoption of the message and if there was nothing left behind, he thought – “well, we could do that on our own. And if you (speaker) do not figure this out, I will.”
Let that sink in. At what point do you encounter some type of obsolescence? Think about your management style, right now. Are you doing the same thing as you always have or are you sharpening your edge and adjusting to meet the needs of your team? What if I showed up at your store and observed you and your team in action. And what if I offered one or two ideas that would impact productivity, efficiency or your ability to get things done? In other words, what if I offered a better idea? How would your value or abilities be perceived? You see, “being obsolete” involves two distinct perspectives. One is that you are in working order. Good, bad or indifferent, you still work. The other suggests that someone other than you has a say in how your value is perceived and engaged. So do you feel you are obsolete and/or does someone else feel that way?
OK, walk out of the proverbial mud. Here is my point. At some point, as managers, we have a point where we must acknowledge there exists a limit to our abilities to manage and lead others unless we embrace change, the need for change and the realities of change. The team changes, the objectives change and then we have to implement something. Obsolescence implies there is a better way to get “x” done through others or a better way to hit the target. And this way may be in conflict with the ways and means we are either used to or feel is the best course of action. In a way, I see obsolescence as a flag and moment of realization signaling there is a better way to deal with what is in front of you. The rub or challenge is whether we stick to the usual or embrace the new. Whether we are willing to admit a need for change or fulfill some type of stubborn resistance to what we think must happen because that is what has always been done. Am I reaching today? At the heart of today, I am having you think about your effectiveness and ability in getting things done through others. While it may be a stretch, I am wondering the same thing regarding my own abilities to create an effective and relevant learning experience. While I am doing so, it made me think about how or at what point a manager evaluates and assesses their own bandwidth, their own ability to get Skippy to do “x” and to get “x” done. Are our methods working? Is there a better way? And if so, what, why, how and to what extent?
Do not think this is whether you matter. You do. It is more an exploration into your skills as a “blank” (you fill in). Have you become obsolete? Let that question linger. What happens now?
Where does your current skill set lie? Are you where you need to be? Do you need a course, book, peer or something that challenges your current “doing-ness”?
Are you aware of how you are perceived by your team? Do they see you as…well, what exactly? How would you say you are measured and what is your score?
My client was right. If I do not change or adapt or evolve or more specifically, look at a way to connect with my clients in a new and compelling way, I will be obsolete. Someone or something will better, faster, cooler and way more engaging given where we are in the technology reality.
I feel you should look past the definition of the word “obsolescence” and focus rather on its particular definition. You will at this point see how this may apply to you and your managerial skills. Google it. Then think about it. I think I am pretty cool and what I have to say has some value. But, ahh, to whom and to what extent? Right now I am only looking in the mirror.
Cheers