The raw material of change
We often have a curious approach to change. We involve people from outside the business to bring along a template and force people into something that doesn't fit through several terrabytes of PowerPoint slides, much broadcasting of encouraging slogans, and powerful incentives. A sort of HR "shock and awe".
We do it like that because we are impatient, and want measurable change quickly and efficiently. It doesn't of course happen like that. Change happens at it's own pace, takes its own direction and will not be told. If we force it into a template, its rather like casting a pot rather than throwing it. It's fast, cheap and fragile, with no direct human involvement. The first sign of frost and it cracks.
If we want to harness change we have to work with it in the same way an artisan potter works with the clay. The relationship is tactile, and is a form of dialogue with the raw material. The end result is strong, unique, and beautiful. What results i…
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Outside the Walls to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.