The S Curve

In a recent course that I attended on organization development, I learnt another interpretation of the "S" curve.

Growing up with a curve that has been simply called "inverted S", I have been rather sensitive to this term. It was therefore interesting for me to know that it has a rather different meaning in another field of study. In this case, the "S" curve refers to the learning/adapting process of any living entity undergoing change, it could apply to an individual or to an organization.

Simply put, anyone learning something new or going through a period of transition will experience some confusion and performance would be affected, hence a dip. Once past that phase, the person will experience a period of growth and maximum efficiency until he/she peaks, and goes into a decline. Understanding this "S" curve therefore helps an individual or an organization become more self-aware, and the need to assess whether there is a need to start on a new project/life stage. The general understanding is that it is better to move into the new phase just before the person/organisation peaks, so that one changes/transforms even when there is no need to, in anticipation of the decline that would come.

It is interesting, is it not?

The "S" curve serves to bring one into more awareness of growth and decline, in both fields of study. Does it not bring a good amount of reassurance? That "S" is simply a curve, and it's a curve that can be managed.