In Search of Epiphanies

I’m posting this entry just ahead of January 6, a date observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi to visit the Christ child.

But the word epiphany carries another meaning: “a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something” or stated another way “an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking.”

Unlike ideas, that happen often, epiphanies are rare “aha moments” that powerfully shape one’s trajectory. One of my epiphanies involved embarking on a new career path when I was in my early thirties. It took me to a new geographic area and changed the future direction of my life.

Why Epiphanies Matter

Effective leaders need epiphanies.

Imagine an organization where the status quo is never questioned, processes are rarely reviewed for potential improvements, and employees are not challenged to continue growing and learning.

Will this enterprise survive for very long? Can they expect to attract and retain the brightest and best employees? Won’t the competition soon be stealing the company’s best customers?

Encouraging More Epiphanies

Leaders who understand how to engage employees and customers in a never-ending search for new and better ways to build products and deliver services will likely encounter more epiphanies.

The Honda engineers who designed the first cutout trunk for sedans did so by watching people struggle to place items into the trunks of their cars.

Epiphanies can occur in meetings (although most meetings discourage them), during a conversation, while taking a walk in the park, or in the shower.

It requires openness to new ideas, a love for learning, a sense of wonder, and a willingness to listen. Leaders can encourage epiphanies by being more accessible and vulnerable.

One More Thing

The Magi’s epiphany experience included an encounter with the Divine.

Our epiphanies are no less magical for isn’t there a sense of the Divine in each of us?

Organizations and communities need more epiphanies. The power of fresh ideas, new eyes, and the courage to act…these ingredients will affect lasting social change.

Will you join me in search of epiphanies?

Or better yet, will you join me in creating them?

Photo Credit: istockphoto.com