7 change management lessons we can learn from Star Wars

“In a galaxy far, far, away…”

Did you know The Rise of Skywalker has already eclipsed $1bn in global revenue? Its resonance and popularity transcends geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic boundaries.

I’m a geek - loud and proud - so it goes without saying I was relieved / excited to manage to catch the latest Star Wars movie last month. 

I have found there is much to learn from this legendary story - from Han Solo, the wisdom of the Jedi, and The Force, in how to manage change.

Here's my musings.

1. Commit to the change you want to see – and live it!

“Do or do not… there is no try.” – Yoda

We can spend our entire lives debating this and that, fighting uncertainty, maneuvering the pieces on the political chessboard. However, in life, nothing is certain. Don’t waste time - make a decision, stick with it, manage the consequences and lead your people through it. No second guessing. Shaky support by leaders only undermines the change effort, make sure your team is 110% committed. You're either in or out.

2. Surround yourself with people who support and believe in the change

“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” - Darth Vader

Don't waste your time and energy on people who are overly negative and resistant, as in many cases there is nothing you can do to turn them. Rather, do these two things: a) widen your sphere of influence. If they aren't listening or engaging with you, that's fine. Who will they listen to? Can you approach that person(s) and enlist them to support the change? b) fill your change agent network with believers and doers, people who inspire others and bring positive energy to the office. Naysayers are energy vampires - avoid them like the plague.

3. External appearances can be deceptive

“Your eyes can deceive you, don’t trust them.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi

Never judge anyone by their outsides. It's easier said than done though - first impressions are made in 5 seconds, and they rarely change. The lesson? Be aware of your biases. When Luke first meets Yoda, he dismisses him as an annoying interruption to his quest to find a Jedi master, Leia initially judges Chewbacca as a “big walking carpet” and Han regards Ben as an old fool. 

4. Don’t lie to yourself. You already know what the right thing to do is.

“Already know you, that which you need.” – Yoda

Listen to your heart, your conscience, The Force. Listen to that Yoda voice you hear, it’s a sign if nagging thoughts don't go away. There is a human-centred way to lead and manage change - no matter how life-altering its impacts may be. 

Star Wars teaches us there is a hero and villain in every one of us. Fear and anger always lead to the dark side which is lucrative and easy. When you are confused between right and wrong, search your gut to make the right decision - don't try to rationalise. Never use your powers for evil. Once you start down the dark path, it is harder to back track and come back to the light.

5. Success is a precursor of overcoming failure.

“Strike me down and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” – Obi- Wan Kenobi

Successful adoption and embedding of change does not come without hard work. It is achieved through persistence, trying the unconventional, openness to others, unwavering dedication, and the ability to see resistance as stepping stones towards shared understanding, mutual respect and buy-in. 

6. Don’t let fear alter your change strategy.

“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda

Fear cripples us from doing what needs to be done. It segregates us from others, making us wary of those who are different. Fear has fueled many wars, strikes, persecutions, and riots. Don't let the equivalent happen in the workplace. Yoda was onto something - spend the time and effort to truly understand your stakeholders. It just takes one open conversation that suspends judgement to shift apathy into engagement.

7. Sometimes we just need to let it go.

“Let go of your hate.” – Luke Skywalker

There is no room for hate or harbouring grudges - at work, at home, in life. Disappointingly, I’ve seen operating principles explicitly called out in project kick-off powerpoints proclaiming respect, care for others, preference for two-way dialogue over blunt emails, only to witness - or be on the receiving end - of actions in the exact opposite. Organisational changes have the power to bring out the best and the worst in people. The indisputable fact is bad things happen, often to good people. We need to let it go, move on and make room for the even better things in life that are yet to come. 

Who else is a Star Wars fan? What lessons have you taken away?

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