Change Waves

Ah, the waves of change. As described by General Al Gray, USMC (Ret.) and Dr. Paul Otte in The Conflicted Leader and Vantage Leadership (2006), I believe I am stuck between the third and fourth wave. Through my education and experience in the military, I felt empowered and was comfortable in the third wave of change. However, because of my beliefs and values I have transitioned to the fourth wave. I am not completely comfortable in the fourth wave because I don't have the qualifications or necessary knowledge to survive here yet. I am however, hoping to be closer to comfort by the time I complete the MBA program, if not sooner. :) It is always great to feel comfortable but if we ever want to excel or break boundaries, we have to reach out past our comfort zone. Leaving the military was doing just that. I'm sure I will be comfortable soon!
The military, the organization I have been most recently linked to, is primarily in the second wave. I say this because it is an enormous corporation with predetermined results and a lot of control. The use of the chain of command is a big example of why the military is in the second wave. That is where they are comfortable and how they can maintain their goals and control of assets. It makes sense for the military to be in the second wave.
As for my work group in graduate school, we are in the third wave. We are all feeling a sense of empowerment through education while focusing on our individual talents to achieve a common goal. This is an excellent place to be while working in teams. We are able to learn and share so much with each other! I like my team and its diversity!