Progressives and Preservationists

Every organization needs two kinds of people: preservationists and progressives.

In politics, we call them conservatives and progressives.

In religion, we call them orthodox and heterodox (or heretics)

In business, it's the "best practices keepers" and "disrupters".

These people either conserve or create.

No matter which group you are in, you are perpetually frustrated by the other.

A progressive is constantly recreating the old and reimaging it for the future. A preservationist believes in maintaining strong continuity with the past.

As you read this, at least one person popped into your head who's in the "other" group. You also have a pretty strong hunch about which one you fall into. The divide between groups occasionally falls along generation lines, but more often personality types and past experiences. Every company, team, and social group needs some of both.

In practice, this looks like a data team frustrated by business practice that prioritizes the status quo over data-driven insights. Or, an innovative business strategy group that’s hamstrung by legacy data systems and processes.

The contrast and stress between both groups allow them to thrive by restraining their extreme tendencies and highlighting their strengths.

Enjoying and navigating this tension will take you far.

I’m here,

Sawyer