Life in the Fast Lane... 

I have observed that any focus on the Black Community has to take into account the gaps in our progress -- some imposed by oppressors, some structural barriers, others self-imposed.  All can be addressed with our own initiative.  

Throughout my life experience, I have also observed that I must run faster, get up earlier, stay up later, study harder, and have greater faith in the outcome of my efforts to achieve my goals as a Black man.  I can lament this reality, or I can move into the FAST LANE to catch up and accelerate past those ahead of me.  There are no free passes to a life of success and prosperity.

At age 66, I have lived through the history of Jim Crow, School Desegregation, the Civil Rights Movement, 7 recessions (8, counting the present), the emergence of the Global Economy, and now the Information Age.  So, I have the blessing of perspective.  I know how far behind I was at the beginning of my life, and I have seen much progress.  So, I want to share that perspective and invite your comments and input to solutions for a better future.

Culture Shift

We are living in an environment of rapid and accelerating change.  Not just Black folks -- all of us!  One of the foremost experts in the field of organizational change is Price Pritchett. In his book, Culture Shift, he offers several strategies for employees and managers during organizational upheaval. I believe his observations apply to every aspect of our lives, not just the work environment.  I have extracted 5 DOs and DON'Ts that I believe apply to all of us during this period of rapid change that we are going through.

5. Take personal responsibility for fixing things.

5. Blame others for what you don't like.

This culture shift, and the gaps we face as Black people require a move to the fast lane for those who want to reap all the benefits of the 21st century.  This is the world our babies are born into today.   This is the world our graduates are encountering when they enter the workforce.  This is the world we live in and the changes we are experiencing will accelerate.  They won't slow down for us to catch up.

One final observation about the fast lane.  

When you get into the fast lane, everything else slows down because you have become accustomed to a different pace.  You will discover that you can run faster; think more clearly; solve problems better; deal with greater quantities of information; collaborate more effectively with others in the fast lane; and most importantly, offer help to those who may be struggling in a slower lane, based on what you have achieved.  This doesn't require that you move into the slower lane to be "down with those who are struggling."  This will only cause you to fall behind again.  The help you offer must result in their speeding up.

Will you join me in the fast lane?

Roger Madison, CEO

iZania, LLC

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