Implement change…then burn your boats – Tip 42
Change is not fun, and people are resistant to it. So, when you become convinced that change is necessary, implement it wholeheartedly. And, in doing so, be tough, then nice – not the other way around. It has to be that way, because scepticism about change is both deep rooted and well founded…and the benefits are never certain. What is certain is that change will create tension. Be prepared to deal with it. That summarises the message that Mario Pretorius delivers in today's tip. GK.
To relieve the tension either or both of the sides must move towards the other – or else the tension remains.
Which side will move? Which side should move? Remember you are probably on side B doing the pulling?
How far to pull? The further from the resting state, the higher the tension.
In general we dislike tension; change; upheaval. In medieval time we feared The Stranger. Newcomers to the village must have letters of introduction and must report to the chief constable and keep their whereabouts updated there.
Pestilence, robbers, sociopaths- these were successfully kept at bay by our ancestors, else we wouldn't be here today.
The scepticism to change is deep rooted and well founded. You just cloaked yourself in the Magician's robes but you appear to step off your broom to those aghast at your coming. Change is not fun, as Machiavelli noted:
"It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institution and merely lukewarm defenders in those who gain by the new ones."
Change is not assured; benefits not certain. But if you are convinced, then do like Cortez: burn your boats. You better have a plan B at the ready. Be prepared to lead the breach at the ramparts and risk your reputation irrevocably. Stretch it properly and keep at it until your Luddites come around.
The resistors?
"A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways."
But you understand Darwin (more on this later), so:
"People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in such a way that you do not have to fear their vengeance."
Read your Machiavelli. He withstood 400 years and counting. Be tough, then nice, NOT nice then tough.
"If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared."
This tip is an extract from the manuscript of "The Unconventional CEO: Common sense outside of conventional Management thinking" (by Mario Pretorius).