Feck the Rules: The Imperative for Transformational Change in Business

It was a virtual room filled with industry leaders and experts, all gathered to hear me speak at an exclusive Australian Transformation and Turnaround Association meeting. The air was thick with anticipation, and the weight of the moment wasn't lost on me. I knew I had a captive audience, but I also knew that the usual buzzwords wouldn't cut it. So, when I took the spotlight, I decided to throw a curveball. "Let's be honest," I began, "traditional transformation isn't actually that transformative. What we need is audacity. In fact, 'feck the rules'!" The room fell silent, the atmosphere palpable. I had polarised my audience, but that was exactly what I intended. To instigate real change, you have to be willing to not just challenge the status quo, but also the very language we use to discuss it.

The Illusion of Transformation

In a world obsessed with the notion of change, it's ironic how resistant we are to true transformation. Companies invest millions in 'innovation labs' and 'change management' programs, yet the outcomes often resemble a fresh coat of paint rather than a structural overhaul. Why? Because genuine transformation is not just disruptive; it's uncomfortable. The phrase "feck the rules" might seem audacious, even reckless. But is it? I believe that if we dig deeper, we’ll find that this phrase encapsulates a mindset, a philosophy that has been the cornerstone of some of the most transformative changes in business history. It's not a call to anarchy but a challenge to question the status quo, to push boundaries, and to dare to innovate. What rules are you questioning in your organisation?

The Paradox of Rules and Constraints

In boardrooms and strategy meetings, the conversation often revolves around rules—industry regulations, company policies, and market constraints. These rules are seen as sacrosanct, the unchangeable parameters within which a business must operate. But what if these very rules are the shackles preventing transformative change? Are you willing to challenge these so-called unchangeable parameters?

Consider this: Would Uber have revolutionised the taxi industry if it had played by the traditional rules?

The answer is a resounding no. Uber's disruptive model was born out of a willingness to challenge existing norms and to redefine what a transportation service could be. But let's not forget, this audacity came at a cost—legal battles, pushback from traditional taxi services, and a slew of regulatory hurdles. Yet, they persevered. Why? Because they recognised that to create value in an oversaturated market, they had to rewrite the rulebook.

Are you ready to feck the rules and lead an audacious future, here’s the link to continue reading.

About the author:?

Shane Williams is a seasoned Virtual CTO, specialising in aiding SME businesses to confidently and cost-effectively adopt transformative technologies. With a firm belief in a tailored agenda-free approach for each business, Shane partners with leaders to leverage technology for maximum outcomes.

Shane is a celebrated author, with his best-selling book, The Platform Owner’s Guidebook , providing invaluable insights into tech utilisation. As an extension of his mission to share knowledge, Shane is also the creator and host of two successful podcasts. His newest venture, the Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast, delves into the intersection of technology and the manufacturing sector in Australia, while the popular Platform Diaries ?Podcast offers a broader look at tech platforms and their growing influence.

Away from the professional sphere, Shane finds joy in riding motorbikes, brewing his own beer, and embarking on camping trips with his kids. His diverse interests and keen technological insight render him a prominent figure in the world of SME businesses.