Words of wisdom for this week.
“Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment.”
~ James Allen
I just finished reading a great book by Donald Walsch, When Everything changes, Change Everything. Don’t be misled by the title. He doesn’t mean change a lot of stuff on the outside but that maybe changes are needed on the inside.
The world is changing at a record pace, surprise, surprise and anyone with any sense realizes that they either change with it or remain stuck in the past. I’m not implying here that change for the sake of change is good but that when change is required the best approach is to embrace it not fight it.
There are fundamental principles when leading people. There are solid basic core attitudes and beliefs that when grounded in respect, validation and integrity that seldom change but there are any number of other changes in behaviors, attitudes, approaches and thinking that might serve you and your organization well to explore and consider.
People have generally not changed in several thousand years. Most employees today want many of the same things that employees 500 years ago wanted. Respect, acceptance, clarity, direction, integrity and fair treatment. But how these can be delivered has changed dramatically. Technology is changing the way we interact with others. For now I won’t say whether this is a bad or a good thing, although, I do have strong feelings about this subject. The internet, social media, Email and 24/7/365 are gradually taking their toll on people’s stress, inner peace and happiness.
The key factors to keep in mind as you adjust to your world and its evolving expectations and processes is that;
- All change can be good if it is driven by the right intent, agendas and motives
- Not all change is necessary just because your competitor, customer, supplier or employee thinks it is good.
- Change doesn’t wait for anyone. We can stay ahead of the curve or behind it but it’s moving too fast to just keep up.
- Reacting to all change without some inner thought, introspection and contemplation could add chaos to your business.
- Management is about leading people and managing things. Keep this in mind as you adopt or adapt to change.
- People generally don’t resist change (contrary to conventional wisdom) they resist change when they feel change causes them to lose control of their life i.e. their; security, safety, happiness or health.
- Resisting the pull of change is just stupid.
- Changing just for the sake of change is also stupid.
- When change becomes etched in your culture it is vital that you have an effective process for introducing it, managing it and controlling its impact on your organization and its employees.
- If people are resisting change, look past the change and ask yourself – why?
- If your customers are resisting change, dig deeper into the impact of the change on them and again ask yourself – why?
- Don’t fear the changes that change can bring to your management style or organization but don’t rush it faster than is necessary to stay just ahead of the curve.
- Change can be risky and threaten your sense of security, self-esteem, ego and the willingness to let go – of anything.
Obviously there’s more but I ask you to consider your reaction to just the above few items.