Paradigms act as mental filters,
causing one to see that which fits the
paradigm, and perhaps ignore data that
doesn’t fit the model.
Examples: (1) Believers in alternative medicines often ascribe cures to practices which non believers ignore or
disdain. (2)The unusual practices of Hindu Sadhus (holy men) are often considered bizarre by non Hindus.
“What may be perfectly obvious to a person with one paradigm may be
totally imperceptible to someone with another.”
Going back to zero
When a paradigm shift occurs, the playing field is leveled so that
everyone (even leading companies in the old paradigm) starts from
ground zero. Past success guarantees nothing.
Examples: (1) When the telephone was invented, the field was
opened for anyone to succeed. It is interesting that Western
Union, the big telecom company of that era, was not the one to
succeed at telephony.
(2) When digital watches emerged, great skill in manufacturing analog watches
did not prepare manufacturers on how to produce good digital watches.
6 Key Observations
1. Paradigms are common—you see them in all
aspects of life
2. Paradigms are useful means of understanding—they
show us what’s important and what is not; they focus our
attention
3. Sometimes YOUR paradigm can becomes THE only
paradigm you recognize.
“paradigm
paralysis”
Annotations:
When you reject all other paradigms...YOu refuse to shift paradigms...You can’t see what else is possible
outside of the prevailing paradigm.
4. The people who create new paradigms are usually outsiders of the prevailing paradigm. Look to the fringes
or edge for innovations. They occur there because only there do people typically look for ways of doing things
that are significantly outside the old paradigm.
create new paradigms are usually outsiders
5. Those practitioners who choose to adopt a new paradigm, the “paradigm pioneers,” must be
very courageous, have faith, trust in their judgment, and be willing to take risks.
the “paradigm pioneers"
6. You can choose to change your rules and regulations – your paradigm.
Paradigm flexibility
allows you to see
change as an
___opportunity_____
rather than a threat.
Technologies:
Disruptive
Is't necesarrily the greatest thing
when it comes out...may not even be what customers are looking for
Not perfect for existing customers
May create opportunities in the future for new
markets
Can lead even large, incumbent firms to bankruptcy if they are ignored
innovations that improve a product or service in
ways that the market does not expect
Produces an entirely different business process, product, or service that replaces the need for the
previous one. E.g. Solar power; no more battery needed All books can be purchased online; no
need to go in the store
These offer an entirely new way of doing things. A new paradigm
Sustaining
These help your company do what you already do
better
You can lose sight of future growth opportunities if you focus too much on this
Produces an improved business process, product, or service. E.g. Longer lasting battery for your
cell phone Book stores use computer kiosks in store to help customers find books