Jumping the Curve - continuous change with the Sigmoid Curve - The Wednesday Weekly Waffle

00:00

08:54

Welcome to the Wednesday Weeky Waffle!

This week I'm thrilled to dive into the topic that has been a game-changer for me – the sigmoid curve.Now, the sigmoid curve, introduced by the brilliant Charles Handy in his 1995 book, "The Empty Raincoat," is a concept that has profoundly impacted my perspective on personal and professional growth. Handy's work, sadly not as widely discussed today, holds incredible insights that are still relevant in our rapidly changing world.

So, what is the sigmoid curve? Imagine the classic S-curve representing change – the ups and downs we all experience. As you embark on something new, you start at the bottom, clueless about what you're doing – unconsciously incompetent. Then comes the phase of conscious incompetence, where you know what you don't know, leading to a dip in performance.

But here's the fascinating part: as you persist, learn, and adapt, you climb the curve, reaching a point of conscious competence. You're good at what you do, but there's a danger here. As you peak, complacency sets in, and your performance may start to decline.

This phenomenon isn't just personal; it applies to businesses, markets, and even empires throughout history. The question arises: How do we avoid the decline? Handy suggests starting your next curve while still on the upswing of the first one.

Think of it as transitioning seamlessly from conscious competence to unconscious incompetence again. Yes, your performance may dip initially, but it ensures continuous evolution and forward movement.

A real-world example? Look no further than Amazon. It began as an online bookstore and seamlessly transitioned through multiple curves, becoming a giant in e-commerce, logistics, technology, and beyond. The key was embracing the unknown and venturing into uncharted territories.

So, here are the takeaways: If you're in the struggle of not knowing, embrace it – you're on the right track. If you're feeling too comfortable, start your second curve. Dive into courses, explore new areas, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Remember, the worst that can happen is returning to where you were, but the best is discovering your next big step. So, listeners, whether you're navigating the uncertainties or contemplating your next move, think about the sigmoid curve. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so drop your feedback and questions in the comments.

See you next week!

Joe

joe@smartjoseph.com