UpwardOnward

Paradigms are basically "the way we view the world", often also called a world view. Paradigms are the lens through which we see and interpret information and data around us. Understanding paradigms is helpful in solving problems, and in achieving better results in individuals and organizations. A lack of understanding of how paradigms work is at the root of most of the problems we face today, in government, business organizations, and amongst people in general. In dealing with problems, be they in an organization, or even problems one faces with self, paradigms are often overlooked completely. More often than not, Attitudes, Behaviors and Values are what is the focus for most people. But if you realize that paradigms are at the root of Attitudes and Behaviors, your plan of attack is much different.  

For other applications, such as any sort of self improvement, business activity, or endeavors such as investing, results become extremely important. Although there are many variables in any endeavor we undertake, paradigms are at the root of our results. Results can help us to see if a paradigm is beneficial or not in more black and white terms- if your results are not to your satisfaction, a change is needed, and often a change at the root will yield the best results. This change is known as a "Paradigm Shift". It is the "ah-ha" moment you experience, which opens you up to a new way of thinking, which yields different, often more beneficial results in your life or organization. 

As individuals, it is wise to compare our goals to our actual results, and if our goals are not being attained we look to be open to new paradigms- new ways of thinking about an existing problem- that could possibly yield better results for us. As business leaders, we look to empower people with the paradigm shift by giving people new experiences, and challenging existing modes of thought in ways that cause deeper introspection. When related to personal and corporate goals, this can allow them to achieve better results for themselves, and the organization. 

Until I understood paradigms, I used to struggle with trying to change my behavior, or my attitude to get the results I wanted. As a leader I would strive to change the behavior of those I work with in order to get the results I expected of them. This ended up being like a bandaid in almost every case, because I left the existing root intact. My results in either case were always less than what I thought they should be after all my hard work. Once I began to focus on paradigms, my results improved substantially.