Question

Think about a company you are familiar with. Feel free to use the College (COTC) as the company you choose, or a current or former company you may have worked for. In which areas do you see that the company is at the risk of falling into success traps, of just going on autopilot? What can you do to challenge the current path? When did you explore something new last, and what kind of effect did it have on you? Is that something you should do more often? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The last company I worked for was a startup company, in the business of digital media where clients are advised based on the recent news, market updates, company analysis etc.

This company has a risk in terms of digital media being used by communities to publish inappropriate content and some even go ahead making statements on sensitive discussions which are not in the framework of global acceptance. If the company is on an autopilot mode the information that is being delivered to the end users can be modified and used to alter human decisions which pose a risk to the society. The medium of online usage in comparison to face to face interaction is not in line with the social connection that the latter promises.

To challenge the current stage we can reduce the usage which is already being implemented by nations like China and Brazil. And others agree to the same idea which can eventually improve the quality of lives.

Coming from a professional environment and working with big names, I came exploring a start-up company with a completely different set of expectations. However, building a company and being part of a company well established and in an autopilot mode is quite a different task. Working with a startup enabled me with a lot of new learnings and understanding of the requirements to establish a business.

Challenging your own self is always a good idea and we should do that often, getting out of your comfort zone helps us to grow and learn more. However, understanding the risks and the opportunities that the challenge provides is equally important.