Evolution vs. Revolution.
The Difference is the “R”
Put on your “Think. Big.” caps...As we head into the OC Super Fair and are one year removed from the announcement of a new CEO, I have been reflecting on the changes to date and contemplating those yet to come. The two following words came to mind, so I looked them up in Webster’s online dictionary:
Evolution: a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance.
Revolution: a sudden, radical, or complete change.
I am certain some would cite the latter and some the former as the state of affairs in the past year. It might also be situation-based; some changes have been smooth and some rough. Despite each of our individual points of view, when left to choose, evolution is preferable to revolution. What’s the deciding factor in the difference? In this case, it’s the “R,” representing the rate of change.
The first communication I made to our organization and stakeholders when named CEO was our values would not change, but the pace (read: rate) at which we practiced them would.
I felt the organization was ready to shift to the next gear. Should we opt against accelerating, the organization would run the risk of becoming stale, complacent and as an enterprising agency of the State, would lose ground in the effort to remain self-sufficient.
So, have we accelerated at a natural evolutionary pace or have we rushed into revolution? The answer is yes to both. Rate of change will always be the seminal question before leaders, including managers, parents and teachers. A delicate balance to strike, for sure.
Using these concepts, let me comment on each line of OCFEC business:
OC Fair: I believe we have evolved into the 23-day Fair offered this summer. In 1992, the Fair went from 10 to 17 days, in 2003 from 17 to 21 days and now in 2009 from 21 to 23 days. The attendance has grown through progressive programming, more sophisticated marketing and communications efforts and a greater level of customer service. On the whole, the OC Fair has evolved into being the OC Super Fair.
Pacific Amphitheatre: In 2003, upon its re-opening, we exploded onto the scene after seven fallow years and have been revolving (revolution’s Latin origin is revolvere, to revolve) on the philosophy of the venue’s appropriate contribution to the whole. In 2009, we may indeed need to continue revolutionary thinking as a way to envision a full-fledged identity, which then can allow it to begin evolving into fulfilling its potential.
OC Market Place: Though we do not control the rate of change for this business, we do observe it changing. What it will become is up to Tel-Phil Enterprises, but its identity within the context of the property is where the OCFEC management can join the dialogue. I have heard from many the perspective that OCMP needs revolution over evolution, but the fact is the owners have made it work for 40 years and it is up to them to make it work for the next 40.
Year-Round Events and Tenants: While OCFEC serves as landlords rather than producers most of the year, like TV programmers who fill time slots rather than film the shows, one thing is certain: OCFEC management has the responsibility to book the facility like a TV line-up: the best combination of products in the most profitable order. Why? We are fortunate as an enterprising State agency that net proceeds are permitted to be directly re-invested in OCFEC programs and facilities, but we are less fortunate in there is little to no State money available should we hit financial straits.
There is consensus in the organization that the 47 non-fair weeks by far hold the most potential for growth. With that said, the rate of change in this area will need to skew revolutionary over evolutionary. That is not to say change need come at any price, but the property is the primary, if not sole, asset to ensure OCFEC is vital long after we all have served. So while we will always be thoughtful of others’ situations and needs, those must be balanced with the fact that community programs, facility beautification and infrastructure need to be funded directly by generated revenues from fees such as rent, admission, parking, etc., also known by an enterprising State agency as “voluntary taxation,” for those who use this public property.
Allow me to add one more area of growth we have experienced in the past year: Board leadership. The OCFEC Board has taken very courageous steps to position themselves to be visionaries and purpose-driven thinkers. I applaud them for revolutionary actions, through policy revisions, that have put themselves in the position to better serve their community. Sadly, due to the criticism the Board has received in the media over the past year, they will not receive the same amount of praise for taking a quantum leap into greater leadership. My belief is that in the year 2050, that OCFEC Board will say “the 2009 OCFEC Board laid significant foundation for our success!”
A final word on rate of change. In Fall 2009, we will reflect on the rate of change and make certain evolution vs. revolution is evaluated in the service of setting the course for 2010 and beyond. Rest assured, evolution or revolution, the constant will be change. In Darwin’s theory of evolution, change is equated with adaptability, a living species’ single most important attribute to have a future.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate the 2009 OC Super Fair, raise the bar for future endeavors and join together to tell the past, pen the present and dream of the future story of OCFEC.
Let’s have a great summer! |
"Al’s Brain – a 3D Journey through the Human Brain with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic": Catch the world-premiere of this first-ever 3D music video pairing the wildly popular and lyrical music of "Weird Al" and the intriguing human brain at the OC Fair.
