10.06.07
Diffusion: We innovators have a history of failing to change minds
I’m reading Everett M. Roger’s book Diffusion of Innovations, a book about the how and why of changing people’s minds. I just read a passage that talks about the categories of people who adopt a new idea – you may know the categories already:
Innovators
Early Adopters
Early Majority
Late Majority
Laggards
(the “Majority” categories are often called “Late Adopters”)
I consider myself an Innovator in many areas, and an Early Adopter in most others. Usually money is the thing that holds me back The interesting thing is that I always pounded my head against a wall when I found the best new way to do something yet no one would listen… but according to Rogers, the Majority and the Laggards (people who only change when they have no other choice) don’t respect innovators. They respect Early Adopters who have waited until they see an idea flourish that seems like its working. Innovators, however, seem too much like people that try things that are off the wall.
So I’m thinking: do we tell the majority “hey – you should see what other people are doing”? It seems like a white lie that will get change on its way.
Of course… Rogers also says that the Majority will only change once they see others using a new idea or method. Oh well… I guess there’s no changing everyone
