Over the next four weeks we are republishing our most popular posts since the inception of our blog in November, 2010. Since that time we have gained many new subscribers to whom this material will be new. We hope that our long-time readers will find positive reinforcement in reading this valuable content again.
Have you ever wondered why some companies seem to thrive despite economic uncertainty, while many of their competitors seem to struggle for survival? Is it that one company’s products are so much superior to that of another? Possibly but not likely. Is it that the access to capital is greater in some company’s than in others? Maybe, but many well-capitalized companies are struggling in this economy.
The fundamental problem in many companies is an inability to adapt to current changes in competitive forces and buying behavior. As humans we have a natural instinct to resist change. This instinct is the result of our basic need for security. Change can be uncertain and uncertainty breeds insecurity. We will change only when our Dissatisfaction (or discomfort) with the status quo becomes so great that we can no longer tolerate the results (and missed opportunities) that come from practicing our old and established ways. Then and only then can we implement and sustain a process of change.
What drives humans to change is also what drives companies to change. The growing and successful companies we observe today are those that have embraced their Dissatisfaction and developed a process of continuous improvement (i.e., change) that has resulted in streamlined business processes, greater competitive advantage and improved decision-making. The real question then seems to be, “How do you create an appropriate level of Dissatisfaction within your company that will drive successful change?”
If you have an opinion on the subject, whether you agree or disagree with ours, please share it.
