WHAT IS IT?
A quantum leap is equivalent to a major change from a given state to a very different one. It represents a transformation process, a metamorphosis, a total renovation, a radical change, this versus gradual or incremental change or improvement. A quantum leap change is a revolutionary event. A quantum leap involves taking a series of proven conventional paths to reach a specific destination directly. Hence, it is a paradigm shift, looking for innovative shorter routes to reach a distant goal. A quantum leap is usually combined with creative thinking and novelty, and challenging the unknown. A quantum leap is a journey into unknown territories and an unknown future.
A quantum leap change is also equivalent to a rapid change, therefore it is more of a rapid event, compared to the extended process of incremental change. It’s basically the race with time. A quantum leap can be seen as a rapid transformation to better cope with a new landscape that emerges. It is the optimal combination with future situations. It has to be quick, as it is a transition phase where everything is changing!
A quantum leap change can be on a personal or professional level, but in fact we see many organizations and companies going through the process, and it is becoming even popular in the process of changing economies, nations and regions. The quantum leap change approach is becoming more popular and, indeed, more imperative in view of the increasing pace of change in the global market environments of the new millennium and increased competition, but certainly after the revelations of the global financial crisis and discovered deficiencies in old systems. This is the era of quantum leaps, and the trend is towards perpetual transformations and constant renewals!
JUSTIFICATION
A quantum leap approach may seem much more complex, expensive, and risky than a safe incremental upgrade, but it turns out that the quantum leap is much more economically feasible than the incremental approach. The gradual approaches are guaranteed to fall behind in the great race, to fall behind the fleets of the advanced countries. The gradual approach is possibly initially cheaper and easier to implement, but in the long run it implies a lack of competitive strength and therefore a loss. Many emerging countries are taking the stance of taking a quantum leap in their development. The science of change and accelerated change is progressing rapidly, and managing such complex and rapid processes is becoming quite easy and therefore cheaper. New strategic approaches are emerging to face a more dynamic environment. A quantum leap can be considered a transition phase that is relatively difficult, but will ensure calm conditions after the trip. By contrast, incremental improvement is usually a comfortable ride followed by a continued hard existence.
SUCCESS CRITERIA / TIPS
Different criteria must be met to ensure a successful quantum leap, without too many bumps, regardless of the type of party that is undergoing the metamorphosis, a person, company or nation:
– INTENSIVE RESEARCH: A quantum leap is usually a journey into new unknown territories, a true adventure. To reduce the risk of failure, that is, to improve the chances of success, and to reduce the cost of the trip, it is imperative to have as much data as possible about the destination and about the courses that can be taken. This involves much more intensive research involvement than other change approaches. 100% of the data is not possible, but it is imperative to improve investigative skills and obtain as much data on the ground that reflects reality, and not mere assumptions. It is crucial to make use of all the previous experiences, but also of the new strategic plans of similar parties.
– INTENSIVE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION: This is a very demanding journey into the unknown, which requires superior skills in all aspects. Creative thinking is essential in relation to quantum leap change, therefore great mental efforts, interacting with research findings, exploring all possible combinations and options in destinations, but also strategies and structures, business models, etc It is innovation at its peak.
– INTENSIVE STRATEGIC THINKING: Strategic thinking and strategic planning are essential ingredients in the quantum leap process. It is a transition to a completely new state of affairs; therefore, this is a holistic change that requires a holistic vision and analysis. A developed form of strategic planning is also needed, which can demonstrate a high degree of flexibility of manoeuvre, with the possibility of changing the vision as well. It is necessary to identify a set of values, that is, fixed points, to which to fall back during the difficult storm and to endure.
– ACUTE FORECASTING AND ANTICIPATION SKILLS: This is related to strategic thinking and planning. A quantum leap is also a journey into unknown territories in the future, new developments, and the sharper the vision of the future, the greater the chances of success. What are the likely scenarios? How do we deal with them?
– A VERY CLEAR OBJECTIVE: In addition to fixed values, a quantum leap requires the formulation of a very clear objective, which is also specified in a very simple way, which will be the beacon, the guide during the rough journey. This clear objective also acts as a catalyst for all efforts, as a unifier of the entire organization. Everyone involved must be able to identify with this goal. It is important not to dwell on objectives and details, since it is basically an adventure, where priorities can change at any time. It is important to define and keep in mind a primary objective.
– MAKE SURE YOU ARE FIT AND PREPARED: You cannot make the big jump if you are not strong and prepared enough. A Quantum Leap is a tough transition, and you need to be fit and ready to ride out the storm without too much damage. Therefore, any party that tries to make a quantum leap has to come together, that is, be as strong and smart as possible, in terms of structure, resources, plans, etc. Everything costs money and it is necessary to have sufficient funds. You may need synergy to make it happen; you may need to make full use of your networks. You need all the help you can get. Superior operational planning is essential, in addition to project management skills, which must be quite flexible to deal with unexpected circumstances. One of the main things to strengthen on a personal or organizational level is the power of determination, since a large part will be needed for the quantum leap to be a success. You need to overcome your fears and be as brave as you can be. You have to be loaded with a very high dose of courage. When the going gets tough, only the hard gets going.
Basically it’s about getting as fit as possible before you go on the journey, and reinforcing your structure, and testing the limits before you go any further. Everything is changing simultaneously during such a process, and one has to have a super effective planning and management system to avoid ending up in chaos. As with flights to the moon, one must have a checklist and test each component and entire system many times before attempting it. Can you grab it? This is also an adventure, and you must have the spirit of adventure and conquest. In addition, any part that tries to make a quantum leap, also on a personal level, should be willing to change drastically. You have to be ready to change big. Use all the technology available to you. You need big bursts of everything during the transition.
– AS FAST AS POSSIBLE: Everything is changing in a quantum leap process, and it becomes difficult to avoid chaos and keep everything together for a long period of time in a transition phase. Therefore, one has to plan for rapid transition phases, a similar metamorphosis. Maximum resources may be required for this to happen. It cannot be dragged into a quantum leap process. Everything could disintegrate.
– PREPARE FOR SACRIFICE: Despite the preparations, a journey into the unknown is always a risky affair. Therefore, one has to be prepared to take greater degrees of risk and suffer casualties and sacrifices. The stance could be make it or break it even. This willingness to sacrifice is essential in quantum leap change, otherwise there is a temptation to cancel it on the first encounter with the challenge. Preparations and fitness are expected to reduce this risk. Therefore, one must be prepared for a high level of losses in such transformations and not give up. You only get tougher.
– THE ELEMENT OF DISCRETION AND SURPRISE: The stakes are high in a quantum leap change and it is quite difficult to let unwanted hands get involved, interrupt or interfere. Hence the need to maintain a certain degree of discretion during the preparation phase, and even execution.
– LETTING GO OF THE PAST: This is a quantum leap towards a new state, towards a new world, and it cannot be achieved without profound changes, and therefore the will to leave the past behind and start a new existence. The old structures will only hinder the new modes. This is a new existence, and clinging to the past will make it difficult to change and cope with the new situation.
– ADEQUATE CHANGE AND LEADERSHIP TEAMS: If leadership is useful, then it is essential in quantum leap change. All leadership characteristics reach their peak in this process. The right, creative and determined people have to be in place to undertake the journey.
– ADAPTING TO THE NEW POST-TRANSITION SITUATION: It is very possible that the people who were in charge of making the quantum leap worked are not the ideal ones for the relatively established situation that is coming. All involved must show a great degree of flexibility and change from the inside out to cope with the new environment and situation. Everyone should accept the new paradigm and make it work, and enjoy it too.