Last month the Harvard Business Review published an article titled: How to Stop Worrying about Becoming Obsolete at Work, which struck a chord with business people globally and was widely shared. Some of the points in this article relate to us in BNI, especially in terms of how we can adapt our thinking to remain relevant.
FOMO (the “Fear of Missing Out”) is now an official word in the English language meaning the “anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may be happening elsewhere”. FOMO has become a contemporary problem because things are moving so much faster. There is a deeper fear however, a fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO).
FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete)
As individuals, we are afraid of being left behind in our careers. A recent survey by Oxford Economics found employees’ top concern is that their position might change or become obsolete. Half believe their current skills won’t be needed in three years. We’re afraid that our industries will be disrupted or that our companies are no longer competitive. Business leaders surveyed believe 40% of the incumbents in each industry will be displaced by digital disruption in the next five years.
So what should you do to prevent obsolescence? It’s a trick question. You don’t fix FOBO by updating what you do. You first have to update how you think – try these:
- When someone raises a problem, notice the tendency to immediately ask “What should we do?” Instead of that question, try asking “How should we think?” Are you trying to solve the problem with the same thinking that created it? Speakers with the best 60 seconds at BNI always put themselves in the position of the person who is giving the referral. Instead of just describing your business, consider the thinking and perspective of those listening to your 60 seconds – adapt your presentation accordingly.
- When you are organising an activity check to see that everyone is thinking the same before you ask them to join in on the activity. They might be using the same words but they might not be thinking the same thoughts or using the same mental models. For example when someone says “brand,” do they mean a logo, a reputation, or an experience, or perhaps all three? Our BNI chapters have new members and visitors who need us to clearly explain the terminology that we use to make sure that everyone is thinking the same; by doing so we ensure all members and visitors can benefit from all activity to the same degree.
- When you hear about a successful company, stop yourself merely seeking to imitate what they’re doing. Instead, look deeper into how they are thinking. We are blessed at BNI to have some top level businesspeople. Use the experience and expertise that these people have on offer. Don’t simply imitate their actions, look deeper into their thinking and mental models.
- When you’re making decisions, beware relying on “best practices.” Instead, look for “next practices.” Deconstruct the thinking behind people’s success and apply the principles to your situation.
In BNI we represent our industries. What stimulates other members and keeps them interested is when you share ‘next practices’. Use your time at BNI to show how your industry is changing and how you are adapting to these changes. This can encourage other members to think about how they can develop in their own industries.
The Fear of Becoming Obsolete is both real and warranted. Fortunately, we are not destined to become extinct in the work place. It is not us as individuals who may become obsolete; it is our thoughts or mental models. If we are constantly upgrading and working on improving our mental models we will never become obsolete.
