Tipping Points Have Two Sides

Tipping points have two sides.⚖️

There's the driving force.
And there's the counteracting force.

Too often, we only think about one side of the equation.

The driving force pushes us towards action and change.

It could be a problem or pain point that grows to a level where something needs to change. It could also be something that inspires us to action - like a compelling cause or the influence of our peers.

The counteracting force opposes action and change.

It could be a cultural resistance or fear to change. A reward for maintaining the status quo. Or a friction standing in the way of action, like the cost or difficulty of solving a problem.

The tip only occurs when the driving force is greater than the counteracting force.

But far too often, we only look at one side - the driving force.

What are the pain points of our customers? What problems exist in our company that we can't ignore any more? What's the vision that will inspire others to join our cause?

Sound familiar?

But change doesn't need to wait for an enormous problem or energizing force.

Change also happens when the friction is lowered.

This fundamental principle is universal.

It explains how change occurs (or doesn't) within an organization. It explains when change occurs at a societal level. And it explains why individual people - like our customers or ourselves - choose to take action or not to.

So if you ever find yourself staring at a problem you keep putting off - or you can't understand why someone is choosing to not to act (hello unconverted sales prospect) - it's very simple. The driving force is smaller than the force opposing it.

Understanding that will show you what needs to shift in order for change to occur.