Leadership Thought #433 – You Must Be Willing to Change to Stay Successful

Change is a big part of work and life.

Inflexibility Is a Liability

When it comes to business, inflexibility is rarely a positive trait. The landscape of business history is littered with failed business leaders who were either unwilling or too slow to change their thinking. As a business leader, you must be willing to adjust to changing circumstances or risk the consequences. In truth, the only constant in life is change. Markets change. Customer attitudes change. Business methodologies change, technology evolves, and everything changes—so must you. You should never take success for granted.

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

It is often difficult to accept that what got you here won’t get you where you need to go. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard clients bemoan the fact that a long-term business relationship has suddenly ended or that the market, as a whole, has shifted its buying behavior unfavorably. Being good at your job is essential, but it’s also crucial to understand how and why the definition of ‘good’ is evolving. No one wins a race standing still or running backward. In business, you must keep your competitive edge.

Change Before You Are Forced To

Changing before external forces make you change takes courage. Initially, the signs of what you need to do aren’t always obvious. You may even get conflicting advice. However, commit your organization to continually striving for positive momentum.

• Do your homework
• Read industry journals and publications
• Stay connected with key clients
• Solicit feedback from front-line employees
• Regularly network with talented colleagues and peers
• Seek out clarity, not certainty

There are no perfect business decisions. Life tends to reward those who act and build the capability to adjust course as they move forward. It’s better to shape your future than to be stuck in the past, too committed to the present, or waiting for the right time. You must be willing to change to remain successful!

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