During Industry Disruption, Avoid Nakedness!
I recently saw this John Kennedy Quote and the addition Warren Buffett tagged on that quote.
"A rising tide floats all boats," said John Kennedy.
Warren Buffett's addition – "Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked."
Warren was so spot on in his thinking.
As disruption challenges the status quo, there will be those who focus on the nonsense of appeasing the disrupted. These appeasers will attempt to lure the disrupted into the waters of nonsense and fantasy. Unfortunately, when the tide goes out. Those lured will be standing next to the naked leader, proving that the leader was never dressed for the job.
Most in business have heard the saying "The Emperor has No Clothes." This metaphor highlights the inabilities of the pretenders. Unfortunately, those following the naked Emperor end up staring at something no one wants to see.
Today, many industries are being challenged and disrupted by ever-increasing technological advances. Technology advances give birth to buzzwords and those naked Emperors who will show up like charlatans who showed up, hoping to sell their wagon full of fantasy remedies with secret ingredients to eliminate the diseases of the 19th century. Unfortunately, those taking the fake remedies died shortly after the charlatan left for the next town.
During tough times and evolutionary changes, the naked emperors and the charlatans come out to hunt those insecure and fearful of their place in a changed future. For the most part, the human race does not seek unpleasantries, and when facing anything uncomfortable, people look to return comfortably as quickly as possible. This reaction causes the uncomfortable to look back at memories when, instead, the uncomfortable should face the realities ahead of them and adjust accordingly.
I believe President Kennedy discussed the importance of comradery and working together regardless of the strengths or weaknesses of one's boat. Together with rising tides, all the boats would remain floating. The reason is that all the boat captains would address the painful realities of the defects regarding their boats and adjust accordingly, regardless of the temporary pain involved in those adjustments.
I believe Mr. Buffett was warning that when the tide goes out, one's hopeful imagination, usually based on unrealistic optimism, becomes recognized. These naked leaders attempted to lead without accountability for themselves or the collective. President Kennedy envisioned accountability throughout the collective.
Don't fall victim to those pretending to be sincere about appeasing your comfort during turbulent times. These naked Emperors and charlatans are betting the more painful the truth is, the better their odds are to lure you into their waters based on fantasy.
Remember, the status quo is the killer of all that will be invented.
Ray Stasieczko/ Host of The End Of The Day With Ray
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