Complacency is like a comfortable old sweater, but does it truly keep us warm? Yes, that’s a bit of a clickbait lead-in, but I hope to make the analogy worthwhile.
After nearly 40 years in my industry, I’ve focused a lot more time in reflecting inwardly of late, rather than outwardly. In doing so, I recognize that a fair bit of what I have been telling myself is “quiet confidence” or “maturity of self” is actually just complacency. Complacency often creeps in unnoticed.
Over the years we gain satisfaction and comfort in newly achieved levels and knowledge, which can have a stifling effect on further creativity, expansion and risk-taking. In doing so we may “wear out” our efficacy and value; without ever even recognizing that we have.
Effects of Complacency in the Industry
We can see the effects in multiple areas:
- Clinging to vetted and proven paths. Yes, the roses may be blooming where we currently are, but the season for them will pass. There are other gardens to tend to, and new things to plant, cultivate and appreciate.
- Settling for “The Now.” Money feeds our stomachs and shelters our head but may not fuel the passion, satisfaction and growth that are equally essential to happiness.
- When challenged or questioned we may rest on our past accomplishments or react from fear of change. This is the unraveling of the thread that can lead to our loss of self-value and confidence. Holes appear, stains remain and we are no longer comfortable in our old self.
- And perhaps the greatest driver of complacency is the old friend we invite in early and who never seems to leave: FEAR. Fear of failure, fear of embarrassment and fear of change.
Is the Sweater Actually Comfortable?
I’ve made the realization that in this rapidly shifting world (and industry), that complacency is really not at all comfortable to me. Where I used to hunker down and defend my “knowns,” I now want to challenge them and enjoy the winds and rain that the spring growth of new ideas, information and situations bring to me.
Here’s the tricky bit: complacency not only stifles us, it limits our performance and creativity in working with and supporting others — internal, external and everywhere.
Perhaps the hardest part of balancing proven paths with innovative directions is recognizing them for what they actually are. I often tell myself and others this, “Engineering is a controlled state of paranoia.” Successful engineers work from facts, quantify risk, verify the approach and execute. However, it is very easy to become mired in “analysis paralysis,” and never make a final decision, or belabor it past the point of value. Almost all growth has some inherent risk. Identifying, accepting and managing that risk is a critical step toward maturation and growth. It’s also essential to overcoming complacency in the industry.
With all that said, I think I can sum it up in this thought: I never really liked the sweater all that much to begin with. It was scratchy when new, didn’t quite fit, and I have outgrown it over the years. Much too warm for the current climate. It definitely served its purpose, and I would not be who I am (both good and bad) had I not worn it, but the time has come to change.
Something lighter, brighter and less restrictive sounds much more appropriate. With room to grow into. And more pockets, of course, always more pockets.
Bill Lawrence, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQD, CQT and CQA, is executive director for The Association for Quality in Audio Visual Technology (AQAV).
