Willingness to change

Many people think that the older workers are not prepared to implement change, and that younger workers are more daring.

From my observation, this trait of "fear to change" apply to both older and younger workers. In many cases, the younger workers are less willing to change, as they do not have the experience to manage change, and are more fearful of its negative impacts.

The fear to change is a large part of the cautious approach of Singaporeans, and reflects the unwillingness to take risk.

There is also a tendency to focus on the negative, i.e. "what can go wrong"  rather than the positive, "what are the advantage to be gained by making the change?"

We have to go a long way to change the culture and the mindset of Singaporeans. But, it is a challenge that must be taken. For nearly three decades, we have spent time to "say the right things" but have not gone into the root of the problem.

This is the first change to make, i.e. to change our approach towards making a change.

Tan Kin Lian