The Ghosts in the Machine

When we replace a part in a machine, we discard the old one. It no longer belongs in the system. The machine doesn't miss it.

We have allowed ourselves to carry this analogy across into our organisations. We restructure, "rightsize", merge, sell......whatever.

We allow ourselves to assume that what's behind us is over, and that the logic of the new structure will propel us forward.

When things were slower, less VUCA, we were largely able to get away with that (even though the signals were there. 70% of change initiatives fail, as do a similar (or greater) proportion of acquisitions)

Now it's an issue we cannot ignore. Every person who leaves an organisation, for whatever reason, leaves a "ghost".

People leave their imprint on organisations long after they have left for whatever reason - including death.

We replace them, but the way they worked and the relationships they had leave a deep imprint. It is clear that new people who move into roles, at whatever level, who do not pay attention to …