The Great Pivot

One concept that the past 3 years have taught us all, is how important it is to pivot and be willing to embrace change. If we are honest, change can be difficult. I speak with business owners, managers, pastors, and leaders every day on the phone regarding their office technology. Most of them tell me the same thing, especially when it’s pertaining to their copier systems. The uncertainty of the economy, inflation, rising interest rates, market conditions, and a looming recession have made them reevaluate how they do business. I hear from prospective and current Modern Impressions customers alike, “Chuck, our copier is just not making as many copies as it used to.” This is understandable because so many workers are now remote, not printing and making copies like they once did. The copier business has changed in many ways like every other business. This article is not about us though but is just one example of how fast things can change in a business that has been around for more than 100 years. We all must adapt to change in our individual offices in the business world.

Change is a mindset. There is no such thing as anyone staying the same. We are either growing or regressing, both personally and professionally. In our company training at Modern Impressions, we talk about a concept called the growth mindset vs. fixed mindset. A growth mindset is a way of thinking that is all about believing your foundational abilities can be grown and developed through hard work and dedication. The fixed mindset believes that foundational abilities cannot grow, you are born with talent, and either you have it or you don’t. In the typical office, you can typically identify those that exhibit a growth mindset and those with a fixed mindset. Generally speaking, most of us are hybrids of both mindsets at different times in our lives, depending on the circumstances. We are human, we are all broken, and we are all insecure, and are not perfect.

I truly believe that a mindset can be flipped from fixed to growth, and it can have a tremendous impact on an organization. During what I call “The Great Pivot” of 2020, many organizations were forced into a growth mindset due to shutdowns and stay-at-home orders.  Zoom instantly became a household name for us all. What’s interesting is that although we are almost 3 years removed from the initial outbreak of the pandemic, the lingering effects for those that have not changed have brought additional fear and anxiety. Many times the fear of change seems worse than the fear of the lingering pandemic and all of its residual effects.

My question to you is how is your mindset today? Are you struggling or fearful of growth and development? Does the idea of a pivot in any way scare you? Here is my take and my encouragement to you: Work hard and give it to God. The Bible states in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Jesus was the ultimate example of a change agent, someone that constantly had to pivot in his surroundings. He had the stress and demands of the large crowds, the constant complaints of the disciples (which from a business standpoint I believe were like His employees because they were working for Him), not to mention dealing and managing his energy with the impossible religious leaders. All of this took place within a harsh Roman culture where the government was inforcing its will on everyday citizens. Sound familiar?

Jesus challenged those with fixed mindsets of the status quo that did not want to pivot from the way that things have always been done. In Matthew chapter 5: 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” He goes on to say later in the chapter in verse 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 

You may be asking, how does this relate to business? Well, my take on it is that Jesus Christ is the greatest leader and manager to ever walk the earth, and he had the ultimate growth mindset when He saw opportunities for positive change. If you are struggling with your mindset as you work, I encourage you to open the Bible and look at the life of Jesus. Let His word penetrate your heart today and do your work as unto the Lord. In conclusion, James 1:5 states “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Everyone be blessed and stay safe!

-Chuck Price