Are We Numbed to Change?

"Change isn't what's really happening anymore. No one cares. Don't do it."

That's a direct quote from a long-time, globe-trotting manager and client. Here's the context:

I talked with him about three book manuscripts that I have in process. One is all about making changes, personally, professionally, and in organizations. It's the result of what I've synthesized after 30 years of managing and consulting globally, and even more years of living and making transitions. Of course, I think it's darned good stuff.

He thought so, too. But he says no one cares anymore: " 'Change" is a topic that's had it's day."

In part, I think he's correct. You don't see companies devoting the time and effort to large-scale, deliberate change efforts that once were popular, even the norm. There's actually good reason for that: a lot of the time they simply aren't effective.

But that doesn't mean that people and organizations don't want to get better in some way. We're still ordering books, reading blogs, and doing all kinds of things to bump up our game or make a transition.

Perhaps what has happened is that the word "Change" has become institutionalized. It's been associated with hype, programs, and unsupported initiatives. We're numb to the word.

Yet, my everyday professional practice shows that we're all involved in looking for ways to improve something. And that means making changes.

I'm not ready to let go of the idea yet.

Is change dead or are we just numbed to the word?

photo attribution:www.totallyteeshirts.com/

Comments

[Alexandra Levit]

Hi Steve,

I think that the society we live in, with its rapid means for communication and lightning-fast transactions, mandates change and adaptation every second of every day. We're naturally focused on self-improvement, but we don't perceive change as something we have to think about, something we have to go out and be so deliberate about. That's why institutionalized change programs don't resonate with people anymore.

When are your new books being published? I'd be happy to review them on my blog.

Best,

Alexandra Levit
Author, Success for Hire
Blogger, Water Cooler Wisdom
http://www.alexandralevit.com

[Wally Bock]

I'd take your friend's comments as an observation about whether a book about change is salable just now. People are always interested in eating and in losing weight, but there are better and worse times to bring a cookbook or diet book to market.

[Steve Roesler]

Hi, Alexandra,

That's an insightful take; so much adaptation constantly taking place that "change" is not something to think about: it just is.

Thanks for the kind offer. I'll sure get back to you when I know what is happening and when.

All the best,

Steve

[Steve Roesler]

Wally,

Hmm, hadn't thought about it in the context of timing vs. content. I'm going to see him again this week and ask the direct question.