As a former CEO, I have dealt with numerous situations where significant change had to happen. Invariably, when the topic of change is brought up, two (primary) camps form.
- Change very little. (Evolutionary Change)
- Change a lot. (Revolutionary Change)
Interestingly, the plan that seems to get implemented regardless of which camp is claimed is a third camp:
3. Change a few things, overreact to problems and back off (Cluster)
I am a big fan of movies (usually bad ones). I happen to think the following lines from The Karate Kid is particularly germaine:
Miyagi: Now, ready? Daniel: Yeah, I guess so. Miyagi: [sighs] Daniel-san, must talk. [they both kneel] Miyagi: Walk on road, hm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later [makes squish gesture] Miyagi: get squish just like grape. Here, karate, same thing. Either you karate do “yes” or karate do “no.” You karate do “guess so,” [makes squish gesture] Miyagi: just like grape. Understand? Daniel: Yeah, I understand. Miyagi: Now, ready? Daniel: Yeah, I’m ready.
You cannot be afraid of big change. Sometimes, you have GOT to rock the boat.