A Message from Our CEO – November 2024
"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."
– Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
We can’t pretend that there isn’t a profound transformation going on in the U.S. and around the world. The level of testosterone is peaking. Strongman leaders are digging trenches and building fortresses to guard against perceived threats. Everybody, it seems, is itching for a fight.
The workplace will not be immune to it. Journalists are frantically speculating about the demise of DEI and worker’s rights, child and healthcare benefits, lack of workers from mass deportations. They are asking the slippery question, “what changes are in store for the future of work?” But this is the wrong question to ask because the outcome is too uncertain. When the world is churning, instead, we should be asking, “How can we prepare our company for the inevitability of change?”
As consultants in change management, we’ve learned working with our clients some universal truths: 1) Change happens, 2) Companies with flexible mindsets expect and embrace change, and 3) the pillars of resilience in a changing environment are authentic communication from leaders, worker autonomy, and short feedback loops where employees are ‘not afraid to fail’.
Think of it this way: If a category 5 storm is coming, would you rather be in a brittle command-and-control hierarchy with high competency and low trust, or in a learning environment with empowered innovation that views change like an old friend? An old friend, or even an unpredictable uncle at the Thanksgiving dinner table. You never know what is going to come out of his mouth. But you are relaxed and ready for it. Martial arts can teach us in this moment to “keep calm and carry on.” That can be your super power among the maelstrom.
Besides, it's near Thanksgiving, the fireplace is dancing in a warm glow, the turkey and fixins’ smell mouthwatering, football is on the tube, and a cocktail is on its way.
This is a great time to not think too hard about work and enjoy time with friends and family. Even the unpredictable uncle.
Expect. The. Unexpected.
Warren