The Importance of Unlearning
Agility, innovation and disruption are popular buzzwords in the business world with plenty of references to the notion that companies that adapt quickly to changes in the environment are the most likely to succeed and thrive.
Of course, the question of how? still remains. How, when we are constantly bombarded with new information and business advice, do we continue to adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in rapidly changing markets? And why do we continue along the same old path if we know it doesn’t lead anywhere?
I came across this article on The Importance of Unlearning which may hold some of the answers. In it, the article’s author Keith Coats says, ”Our stubbornness and unwillingness to try to learn are often cloaked in an arrogance that refuses to see a better way and an immovability to anything that isn’t ‘our way’ or ‘the way it’s always been’.”
But, as the barrage of change in recent years has shown, unwillingness to change can be fatal to an organisation’s survival.
Unlearning is a critical concept for businesses. Technologies, consumer preferences, and market conditions evolve constantly, so unlearning outdated practices and assumptions enables the KDZA team and our partners to be more adaptable and responsive to change, ensuring we all remain relevant and competitive.
Take customer experience, by unlearning outdated customer service practices and assumptions about what customers want, the KDZA team can better align offerings with current customer expectations, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How do I unlearn? It is not just about forgetting or discarding knowledge or skills; it's about making conscious choices to let go of old and obsolete ways of thinking and doing things to make way for new, more relevant, and effective approaches. This mindset is crucial for businesses aiming for long-term success and sustainability.
As Coats puts it, “We need to be a bit bolder in reaching out, in exploring and in being more curious. We need to be willing to ask questions, explore the ‘why’ behind the behaviours and actions we don’t understand and listen more attentively – a listening to understand rather than to reply.”
Disruption and change start with us. We need to shift from being reactionary to being willing to disrupt ourselves first, understanding this as an on-going process and lifelong endeavor.
Greg Griffith - Senior Product Manager - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
