The executive didn’t even realize the mistake she made. She boasted to me “we have NO problem with change around here!”
She proudly explained how her company jumps right in to make change happen quickly, without hesitation.
She didn’t even see the issue.
But I did.
Being willing to undergo change is good. But trying to rush through change is dangerous.
Successful change requires teams to slow down and see beyond the most first solution. Because the most obvious solution is usually pretty close to “the way we’ve always done it.”
We call this issue: “First Thought Wrong.” The first solution to pop into your head is usually based on gut instinct and the status quo, and it’s not the most innovative option for moving forward.
When you try to get change over with quickly, you risk not finding the right solution. You risk settling on the FIRST answer instead of the BEST answer, all in the name of speed.
Being WILLING to change? Awesome.
Being FAST at change? Not so awesome.
Quick change isn’t always meaningful change. Slow down and take time to find the right path forward, even if it means dealing with the messy middle of change for a little bit longer.
