2. • Why is it so easy to say no to new ideas? •
• New ideas cause change.
• New ideas create uncertainty.
• We like to do it the way we’ve
always done it before.

3. • Paradigm Shifts 1980 – 2000 • • The Space Shuttle. • Total Quality.
• Cell Phones and Pagers.
• Fall of the Soviet Union.
• Birth of the Internet.
• Euro-Dollar.

4. • Definition of a Paradigm & Synonyms •
Paradigm means pattern
or model.
• Synonyms:
Theory, Dogma, World View,
Mindset, Tradition, Habit.

5. • Paradigms • • A paradigm is a system of rules that does two things.
1. Sets limits or boundaries.
2. Provides guidance for solving
problems.

6. • The Paradigm Effect • • What may be obvious to one
person may be totally
imperceptible to someone else.

7. • Back to Zero • • When a paradigm shifts,
everyone goes to Back to Zero.
• Examples:
GM and Toyota
Sears and Wal-Mart
Motorola and Nokia

8. • The Impossibility Question •
• “What is impossible to do in
your business today, but, if it
could be done, would
fundamentally change it for
the better?”

9. • Paradigms are Common •
• We have paradigms in almost
every aspect of our lives.
• Common Paradigms
Driving to work
Doing the dishes
Shopping for groceries
Celebrating birthdays

10. • Paradigms are Useful •
• They tell us the rules.
• They focus our attention.
• They help us identify what’s
important and what’s not.

11. • Paradigm Paralysis • • This happens when a paradigm
becomes the paradigm – the
only way to do something.

12. • Outsiders • paradigms are usually outsiders. • People who create new
• They are not part of the
established paradigm community.

13. • It Takes Courage • • Practitioners of the old
paradigm who choose to change
to the new paradigm have to
be very courageous.

14. • It’s Up to You •
• You can choose to change
your paradigm.