Nothing to Fear but Change Itself

By Robert Cantrell - Registered Patent Agent

As innovators, we are leaders of change. Change brings possibilities. But change also brings risk.

Change used to happen slowly enough to moderate the risk. A person might not notice meaningful changes in a lifetime. So came the saying, “…there is no new thing under the sun.” Today, there are many new things under the sun. The rising number of US patent applications filed every year affords the evidence.

New technologies are revolutionizing our ways of life.

Which leads to one thing that has not changed: the fear of people in a comfortable place to alter the status quo.

Five hundred years ago, the political philosopher Machiavelli wrote: There is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to be a leader in the introduction of changes. For he who innovates will have for enemies all those who are well off under the old order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.

Your greatest threat to innovation may come from people inside your enterprise who lack the incentive or the courage to foster change. Jimenez Law Firm can help you make a case for change while you still have time to lead it.

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If innovation at your enterprise faces internal hurdles or if you would like to know more, please contact us on our CONTACT page.