Along with the rest of the country I too am caught in the grip of the election media frenzy. From morning till night we are presented with manifesto promises spiced up with reports of the latest timely scandal. It’s a lot to take in and in the chaos of the hype I remember little of the detail, if asked for the predominate theme of this election I would immediately reply ‘change’.
I know the opposition is there to oppose but this heady focus on the need to change has made me question, do we want to change for change’s sake?
Don’t get me wrong, I am not promoting the Conservative’s manifesto, In fact the jury is still out on where I will put my cross on election day, my interest is a simple curiosity into what I describe as an ‘addiction to change’.
What is Driving Change?
I believe in the power of change, I embrace it, promote it and help businesses achieve it but it is prudent to remember that not all change will equal success and not all change should get the green light.
Change is just another part of life we need it to sustain, improve, invent and evolve, but it isn’t always necessary to introduce revolutionary change, is this just a case of wanting to put our stamp on something?
From what I have seen the conservatives change-centric manifesto is not inspiring the nation, change for change’s sake doesn’t win friends and influence people.
Let me break away from politics and take you back to 1985 to remind you of the infamous Coca-Cola recipe change, the backlash of which prompted a speedy retreat to the original recipe now aptly named Coca-Cola Classic. When you make changes you need to think carefully about what you are really trying to achieve, its not a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, the pro’s need to out weight the con’s.
Choose Wisely
When faced with managing change I have learnt to focus my efforts wisely, my experience has taught me that it becomes increasingly difficult to gain employee, consumer or shareholder buy-in when you are promoting or promising too much change.
I’m not suggesting that we should limit the amount of change, just manage the promise and delivery of it. Trust and buy-in are self perpetuating and both will come as long as you deliver.
On the 6th May I will not be casting my vote on the promise of revolutionary change; I will weigh-up the pros and cons’s and try to work out who can deliver the overall benefit… choose wisely.
