In this illuminating TED Talk Bill Eckstrom, introduces the idea of ‘growth rings’ and shows that ‘complexity’ is the key to growth. After getting fired from his job, Bill came to the realisation that, “what makes you comfortable will ruin you, and only in a state of discomfort can you continually grow”.
The growth rings highlighted in this talk are:
- Stagnation – low growth, low performing. Too many steps processes stifling creativity.
- Chaos – low growth, low performing. Zero predictability or control over inputs or outcomes.
- Order – is generally to most desirable environment for humans. The predictability leads to comfort, but comfort leads to low growth.
- Complexity – occurs when you feel the discomfort. With discomfort and change, unpredictability follows, creating space for exponential growth.
The question then becomes: how do you facilitate growth through complexity?
It can be forced upon you via external events with the key being how you react to those events. Somebody can help you get there, for example a teacher or coach. Or ultimately you can trigger it yourself by disrupting ‘order’.
Do you seek comfort and order? Are you on the path to stagnation? How are you going to seek out complexity?
Watch the full 13-minute TED Talk below to learn why it’s ‘order’ you should fear the most on the path to growth.
Want to watch even more TED Talks we have shared. Check them all out here.
