What happens if we don’t change? A #BigBeacon twitter chat for June 11 2014

One of the key step in creating inspiration and momentum for change is understanding the consequences of not changing.

In the parlance of the important change work of John Kotter, author of the Heart of Change and friend of Big Beacon, building the narrative that explains the need for change is called creating a ‘burning platform’.  That term paints a vivid image of the urgency involved.  The choice is clear:  make the leap, or cling to the old ways at your own peril.

When done properly, change is uncomfortable, but not changing is even worse.  Much as systems and institutional transformation happens on a large scale, individuals in the system making peace with the change is essential.  It’s a simple yet very personal process.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” – Anaïs Nin

Join me, Erica Lee Garcia, @engineeryrlife, as we explore the idea of the burning platform, the consequences of not changing and the inverse of the possibilities around the Whole New Engineer on this week’s #BigBeacon twitter chat.  What happens – in engineering education and in the engineering profession – if we don’t change?

Here are some question to get you thinking:

How can we use our understanding of the burning platform and other change management principles to inspire forward movement in the engineering education system?  Where is the urgency to change coming from?

How comfortable with change are you?  What examples of successful change have you seen?  How about not-so-successful examples?  How can we all inspire those around you to transform the engineering make the leap into the new ways without getting burned?