It's time to evolve ...

In a recent blogpost, Professor Obeng explains how, flicking through a dead-tree newspaper, he came across a picture (see bottom of post) that reminded him of an exercise he used to use to explore how innovative participants' organisation were.

He describes the land of Caprona, inhabited by pterodactyls, dinosaurs and weird sea monsters.  A land where somehow, although the world had moved on and evolution had happened, Carpona had avoided real change altogether.

The quiz has been reproduced below; the question is
"How long ago was the most recent thing in this picture invented?"  

"... and what was it ?" 

A. The Clock on the Mantelpiece: 14th century
B. Paper: 105 CE
C. Glasses: 1890
D. Suits: 1811
E. Chairs: 10th century BCE
F. Graphite writing implements: 1565  
G. Pens: 4th century BCE
H. Chandeliers: 5th century
I. The dye/colouring used in the hair of one of the participants: 1960s?





So, "How long ago was the most recent thing in this recent picture invented?" 

It looks as if not much has changed in the 'corridors of power' over a couple of decades, not even a nod to the 21st century, and here's why.

Apparently, evolution happens because of the 
dynamic, continuous changes which influence the survival and co-dependence of different species.  Without external threats or with the ability to dominate the surrounding environment or ecosystem, there is no need to evolve.  As a result the more power you have, the less likely it is that you are transforming yourself or your organisation to meet the challenges of the new world.  This means that the better your market or leadership position, the more at risk you are of being left behind in our new world. 

  

For our world after midnight there are three choices: evolve, dominate or die.