Decisions

I wonder how many importamt, serious decisions in all sorts of organisations are made from a basis of little knowledge, study or consideration for the many complexities that often lie at the heart of any change? I am all for change. Change is needed in pretty much any situation, but surely it has to be thoughtful change- not the latest fad or 'because he said it was a good idea'! The part of the equation that people do not spend enough time on is the side which looks at what will be lost due to the change. Often change is presented as a series of benefits from said change. Brilliant, but give us the credit to understand that in order to achieve those things, other things will need to be lost. Putting energy, resources and passion into one area means you take it from others (or you think we can do what we have been doing PLUS this other stuff, and work people too hard, which is not a long term solution).

If you do not present the negative, explain why the pain casued by the change is worth the benefits, I think you are either hiding something, or worst still, haven't thought of it!

So explain it, lay it on the table. If the change is worthwhile, it will stand on its own and those against it will be seen as trying to maintain the status quo for reasons like ego, power or unwillingness to sweat.

If it does not, it may simply be a fad.