The next time you grab a bottle of mouthwash, I want you to think about how you approach new ideas. There’s a very good chance this household product could teach you a great deal about change.
In a complex, ever changing business world, you will be defined by the new ideas you embrace and the old concepts you release. Let’s Clear the Path to increased productivity by taking a quick swig of the liquid:
Mouthwash Equals Change: You don’t drink the green or blue stuff for recreation. It’s designed to help you strip away food and bacteria that are left over from a meal. You are returned to a previous state.
When running a business or leading a team, do you find that over time, you’ve accumulated a lot of extra duties that take you away from your main focus? Perhaps you need to “reset” yourself back to a time when you could be more focused on your big picture goals.
There is Some Discomfort: Getting rid of the yucky stuff in your mouth requires some strong disinfectant. In order to get the benefits of mouthwash, you have to be willing to accept some pain. Think of the burning sensation as a love letter to your teeth and gums.
Making changes on the job can be equally painful. It’s very comfortable to do things a certain way and never dream of changing. Of course, you may be saying that as your metaphorical breath stinks. Good results often require some discomfort.
Mouthwash Takes a While to Work: The instructions suggest using mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. That can feel like a long time when you are uncomfortable. You may be tempted to spit it out instantly.
You need to have the courage to make a change in your organization and then stick with it. Good results do not always appear instantly. Give something new a chance to define itself before you toss it away.
Mouthwash is a Choice: After a certain age, there are no longer people monitoring your dental habits. And while your dentist may preach certain habits, that person will make more money if you don’t take good care of your teeth.
But if you ever want to enjoy the feeling of having a clean mouth, then you need to embrace every technique available to achieve that goal.
On the job, you don’t have to change. You may think that what you’re doing right now is perfect. But if you’re not getting the results you want, you need to consider letting go of some old habits.
Bottom Line: Adapting to change is about having the insight to question old habits, the courage to try something new, and the faith in letting the new strategy run its course.
