Chaos in the boardroom: Insight into business evolution.

Many people associate coaching of any type with setting and achieving goals. After all, this is what “real coaches” do, meaning the sports coaches. This type of comprehension drives increased anxiety towards the whole process, as the first association is - strive for higher goals, exiting the “comfort zone” and other (often) stressful activities.

However studies show that this is not what keeps most of us awake at night. There is another area of high uncertainty that is “dear” to lots of people of various jobs and occupations. The thing that is inevitable as it literally corresponds to the whole process of our life.

Change. Many polls and studies show major life changes to be the most common reason for stress and anxiety. No wonder that it is also No. 1 topic for coaching interaction. In the field of business, it is equally important, if not more. Change is often perceived as a major stressor due to its inherent uncertainty and disruption of familiar routines. It challenges our sense of stability and control, triggering feelings of anxiety and apprehension. Whether it involves personal transitions or organizational shifts, change forces us to adapt to new circumstances, which can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, the fear of the unknown and the potential for negative outcomes amplify the stress associated with change, making it a significant source of discomfort for many. Since we often forget to look at the “other side of the coin”, meaning the possible benefits of change, the situation most often looks disastrous to us.

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In the realm of business, change is omnipresent, demanding that executives and businessmen alike possess the acumen to adeptly navigate its varied forms. Let’s look into the four distinct categories of change—Responsive, Proactive, Transition, and Transformation—along with actionable strategies tailored for executive growth:

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1. Responsive Change:

Description: Responsive change is triggered by external circumstances, compelling individuals to adapt. This is the most common type of change and the worst scenario to be. In this scenario you are starting “behind” from the very beginning. Something or somebody is already threatening your performance or even existence. In such situation the action must be fast and decisive.

Company: Blockbuster

Description: Blockbuster, once a dominant force in the video rental industry, faced responsive change when online streaming services like Netflix emerged. Despite its initial success, Blockbuster failed to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the rise of digital media. As a result, it faced declining revenue and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Action Points:

- Assess the Situation: Objectively evaluate the circumstances prompting change, discerning potential challenges and opportunities.

- Embrace Adaptability: Cultivate a mindset of resilience, recognizing change as an avenue for growth and innovation.

- Strategic Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan of action, outlining short-term and long-term goals with actionable steps to navigate the change effectively.

For the reasons, mentioned above you have to think at least 2 steps ahead…because you are at least 1 step behind at the start.

A much better story would be the next item on my list.

2. Proactive Change:

Description: Proactive change is driven by internal motivations and aspirations, prompting us to pursue opportunities for growth and advancement in our professional lives. In this situation you are the master of your own destiny. You initiate change, so with a higher degree of probability you can drive it home…meaning towards the results, which you need.

Company: Amazon

Description: Amazon, originally an online bookstore, proactively diversified its business model over the years. Recognizing the potential of e-commerce, Amazon expanded its product offerings to include a wide range of goods and services. Additionally, it invested in innovative technologies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Kindle e-readers, positioning itself as a leader in multiple industries beyond retail.

Action Points.

- Define Your Vision: Clearly articulate personal and professional aspirations, mapping out a trajectory for success.

- Commit to Growth: Dedicate yourself to continuous self-improvement through skill development, knowledge acquisition, and mentorship.

- Take Initiative: Actively seek out opportunities for advancement, driving change rather than passively responding to it.

First two items deal with the change at the level of “what” as coaches often define it. The next ones are dealing with the change at the level of “who”…as much as this can be applied to business of course.

3. Transition:

Description: Transition is one’s inner response to external changes. Transition is primarily a psychological adjustment we make to a world that has shifted (either by our own choices or by the actions of others). Transition is the process by which our inner world catches up to and adjusts to a changing outer world. Can you relate that to your business? I definitely see the parallels. Something that can happen when the there are shifts in the markets, breakthrough technologies introductions, etc.

Company: Microsoft

Description: Microsoft underwent a significant transition in leadership when Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer. Nadella's appointment marked a shift in the company's strategic focus towards cloud computing and subscription-based services. Under his leadership, Microsoft successfully transitioned from a traditional software company to a cloud computing powerhouse, driving significant growth and innovation.

Action Points:

- Engage in Self-Reflection: Delve into introspection to process emotions and uncertainties accompanying the transition.

- Seek Support: Build a robust support network comprising mentors, peers, and coaches to provide guidance and encouragement.

- Embrace Flexibility: Remain adaptable and open-minded, allowing for fluidity in thought and action as circumstances evolve.

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4. Transformation:

Description: Transformation in business signifies a fundamental shift in identity or strategy. At times, external forces or internal insights prompt a significant reevaluation of a company's core values, operations, or market approach. These transformative moments offer opportunities for substantial growth and innovation, affecting the very essence of the organization. Leaders and teams must recognize and adapt to these changes, leveraging them as catalysts for evolution and success within the competitive landscape.

Company: Apple

Description: Apple underwent a transformative journey under the leadership of Steve Jobs, who returned to the company in 1997. Jobs spearheaded the development of iconic products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, transforming Apple from a struggling computer manufacturer into one of the most valuable and influential technology companies in the world. This transformation was characterized by a focus on design, innovation, and creating seamless user experiences across multiple devices.

Action Points:

- Explore Self-Discovery: Dive deep into self-exploration to unearth core values, aspirations, and areas for personal growth.

- Surrender and Trust: Embrace the transformative journey with acceptance and trust, relinquishing resistance to change.

- Cultivate Gratitude: Foster a mindset of gratitude, celebrating milestones and successes achieved through the process of transformation.

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In conclusion, navigating the labyrinth of change is akin to surfing the waves of evolution in both life and business. As you embark on your own odyssey of transformation, let us not forget the sage advice of Heraclitus: "The only constant in life is change." Therefore, embrace it, adapt to it, and most importantly, revel in the adventure it presents.