Change Management - a centuries old profession

Friday ruminations: The only constant in life is change

The phrase "the only constant is change" is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. He lived around 500 BC in Ephesus, an ancient city in present day Turkey. Heraclitus is known for his philosophical ideas about the nature of the universe and the concept of change.

The exact wording of his original statement is not known since his works survive only in fragments and quotations from later writers. However, the essence of the idea remains consistent in various translations and interpretations. Heraclitus believed that everything in the universe is in a state of perpetual flux and that change is an inherent and essential aspect of existence. This concept has had a profound influence on Western philosophy and remains a fundamental principle in discussions of change to this day.

Change management has been around for centuries in some form or other. It is dynamic, continuously evolving and its true potential is only just beginning to be fully realised. My observation is that change management, despite its long history, has recently experienced a newfound renaissance as organisations worldwide recognise its pivotal role in navigating the complexities of today's rapidly changing business landscape.