To change, and what not to change, that is the question

If you have ever needed to uproot or move a sturdy tree, aside from it being nearly impossible, you will often find that the roots of these age-old plantations would have made their way through rocks and tough terrain - to establish an incomparable foundation. What this means is that even when faced with the hardest obstacles, the roots stay true to their purpose and support the entire structure - no matter the season or the changing external environment, they remain a beacon of strength.? Should we extend this argument to businesses today, which face massive disruptions and change, what do we think could cause them to remain true to their core, and “authentic” - and what causes “authenticity” -?

• The value system: In today’s world transparency is paramount and earning trust is no mean feat - which means that prioritising values is not a choice but an absolute necessity. A value-system, right from integrity to innovation, is the bedrock on which leaders build strong internal connections, lasting external relationships, and build on a culture that not just attracts stakeholders but retains them. Authenticity is a product of values and is not confined to the walls of the organisation but elevates how organisations are perceived in the market - a magnet that forges long-standing connections built on trust.?

• Purpose: Consumers are no longer looking to just buy products - they are looking for the right experience - to first understand if the brands they choose are aligned with their defined purpose -? if they are taking conscious actions and if they are truly advocating for their inherent objectives, and delivering on their commitments consistently.?For example, we have observed many instances of consumers reducing purchases from corporations who claim to be “green”, but are in fact not sufficiently focused on it, widening the trust gap. The ability of a business to establish credibility and reliability guides consumer choices and fosters loyalty as well. In an era of endless options, authenticity is a key differentiator, forging lasting relationships with discerning consumers. Stakeholders, whether customers or employees, want to see quantifiable action.?

• People : Technology continues to challenge capabilities, however, it is crucial to not lose sight of what inherently makes organisations who they are - people. As leaders work towards creating aspirational institutions, it is important to remember that the future will be human-led and tech-enabled, not the other way around.? The minimum needed to gain employee confidence is to “walk the talk” - mere words are rarely enough and teams today are bound to take to task leaders who espouse a particular cause, but do not act to enable it.? And still worse, those that manage optics but are unable to bring any energy or perspective to it.??

Being authentic goes beyond mimicking the needs of the ecosystem, but ensuring that your purpose translates to action.? There could be many contributing factors, but organisational purpose, and its value system would almost certainly be the driving force irrespective of “change” of any kind in an operating environment.? In fact it will strengthen the ability to embrace and leverage change.? At the same time, how people within an organisation feel would act as a barometer of change. Not focussing on these aspects could create short term gains, but will certainly a less sustainable business without any significant employee loyalty or acknowledgement - and without this, external approval is unlikely.??

Authenticity is not a performance, nor a curated image. It is about being accountable, being open and honest - and it is about being who you are. With transformation and reinvention becoming imperative for businesses to grow and thrive, it is crucial to ensure that the identity of the business remains resolute. This isn't about resisting change, but is more about understanding the fundamentals of what has shaped you and using that as a compass in your evolution. As we gear up for another year of accelerated change, we have to remind ourselves time and again of our roots and the power authenticity has in enabling us to stand tall and grow.?