Becoming a Beta Leader part 1: there is no finish line

When computer software engineers develop a new software, they follow a set path to release the user version of their product.  They begin by creating the alpha version of the software, which introduces the product to company and a few end users for initial testing.

Then they create the beta version, to go through the process of change and test, change and test, change and test, until the product manager is satisfied enough to release the software to the consumer.  This is when you and I have the opportunity to use it.

But what happens next?  Just like those college textbooks that were good one semester and then nullified with the newest edition of the text, the software people come out with an updated version. The reason they do this is simple: that beta version they were changing and testing and changing again was never a finished product.  It was never complete.  No one looked at it and said, “This is a masterpiece.  Nobody touch it.  It’s perfect.” No, those words are reserved for art, not software or cars or TVs or cell phones.  Sadly, many people think those words are meant for them.

Being a beta leader means understanding that there is no finish line.  In order to continue to grow and achieve greater levels of success and balance in life and in business requires that you constantly evaluate yourself, make changes, and start the process all over again.