Change is a Leader’s Best Friend and Worst Enemy

Introduction

You may have heard the saying, “the one thing that is constant in life is change.” While this is proverbially and universally true, it has been my experience that most people are reluctant to change. While there is nothing inherently wrong with staying on a particular course, it can become problematic when one refuses to change direction when the environment around them has changed or is changing.

When issues show up. You have to act. When I was much younger, my dad, with whom I share a name, would often remind me of the quote attributed to another Henry, Henry Ford, “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.” Effective organizational leadership requires those in charge to continually make choices (sometimes tough ones) about the direction the organization is heading in as the world keeps turning.

This is particularly true in business. There are many examples of successful companies that have responded to changes in the environment around them in a way that positioned them to achieve the highest levels of success, as well as countless examples of companies who resisted change and lost out. Market change is often the catalyst for great success, as long as leaders can perceive them and respond appropriately.

One example of a company that has embraced change is Amazon which got its start back in 1994 as an online bookstore operated out of Jeff Bezos’ garage in Seattle. Since then, the tech giant has had an enormous impact on the way consumers shop. They have leveraged technology to provide same day delivery and even moved into the grocery market, providing fresh food deliveries to customers who are doing their grocery shopping online. Amazon has continuously adapted to its environment in bold and innovative ways, leading to profits that were previously unthinkable.

On the other hand, you have companies that refuse to change, such as Blockbuster, the once giant and now failed movie and video game rental store. Blockbuster, in its prime, employed nearly 85,000 people across with globe in more than 9,000 locations. They stood head and shoulders above all of their competition, boasting high-quality and a wide variety of rental options. As the video rental market started to shift towards digital platforms, Blockbuster refused to adapt and counted on customers continuing to come to their brick and mortar stores. Instead of embracing the change and responding to the environment, Blockbuster remained stiff-necked and ultimately paid the price.

Conclusion

Authentic and effective organization leadership requires one to continually evaluate the environment in an honest and thorough manner and determine if course corrections are needed, often in the absence of any clear signs to stay put or move in a particular direction. You will never have “enough” information and must remain agile without giving your team whiplash. Avoid the paralysis of analysis and make the best decision you can with what you have. Maintaining momentum will keep your organization agile and allow you to respond as necessary.