What Does Not Need to Change? Embracing Stability in a World Obsessed with Change

During my workshops and coaching sessions, I often hear phrases like "He/She just cannot change," "People are resistant to change," or "Change management, again!"

The push for change is ubiquitous. But let's take a moment to pause and consider the good old constants in our lives. While everyone is focused on change, isn't there something to be said for the stability we often take for granted?

Consider this: when 83% of business leaders participate in the change frenzy, around 45% of their teams feel overwhelmed (McKinsey, 2021). So, is all this change really necessary, or is there something reassuring about stability?

The Case for Stability

?Before we delve deeper, let's pause and consider a few questions:

1.??? What will you never change about yourself?

2.??? What do you wish would never change in your workplace?

3.??? What aspects of your boss's leadership style do you hope will never change?

These aren’t just idle curiosities; they prompt us to consider the value of stability in our lives. Recognising these constants can reveal what truly matters to us and why sometimes, stability can be our unsung hero.

Leadership Stability?

The steadfast captain who consistently steers the ship isn’t just a metaphor but a necessity in maintaining organisational health. For example, consider how Satya Nadella’s consistent leadership approach transformed Microsoft by fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Through tailored development programs focusing on empathy and employee engagement, he revitalised Microsoft’s growth and market relevance.

Strategies for Leadership Stability:

• Leadership Development Programs: Huawei runs extensive leadership programs that focus on not just technological training but also on fostering a deep understanding of global business environments and cultural nuances.
• Succession Planning: Samsung’s structured approach to leadership succession, which emphasises stability and continuity, has helped the company maintain its leadership position in the highly volatile electronics market.
• Regular Leadership Assessments: Companies like DBS Bank in Singapore implement comprehensive leadership assessment programs to ensure leaders are aligned with the corporate vision and capable of driving the bank forward in a competitive financial landscape.

Cultural Stability

Disney’s enduring allure, with its consistent core values of imagination and joy, underscores the power of cultural stability. This stability has enabled Disney to expand globally while maintaining its signature brand identity that enchants audiences everywhere.

Strategies for Cultural Stability:

• Reinforce Core Values Regularly: Toyota’s ongoing commitment to Kaizen is integrated into every employee's role, from assembly line workers to senior executives, ensuring that the culture of improvement permeates the entire organisation.
• Cultural Ambassadors: Zappos empowers employees to lead cultural tours, showcasing their unique culture to visitors and new hires, thus perpetuating their values.
• Consistent Cultural Rituals: Starbucks, a global coffeehouse chain, enhances its cultural stability through a unique initiation ritual for new hires, involving a coffee tasting session where they sample the store manager’s favourite brew, fostering a sense of belonging and shared passion for the product they represent.

Emotional Stability

?Max Mader, Singapore’s Olympic kitefoiler, exemplifies emotional stability.? Competing in a sport that demands both physical and mental endurance, his ability to maintain focus and composure in turbulent conditions showcases the critical role of emotional steadiness in achieving top performance and navigating life's challenges effectively.

Strategies for Emotional Stability:

• Stress Management Techniques: Develop a toolkit of stress management techniques that work for you. This could include breathing exercises, yoga, regular physical activity, or engaging in hobbies that relax and rejuvenate you. Consistent practice can help maintain emotional equilibrium.
• Build Resilience Through Learning: Invest in personal development to enhance your emotional resilience. This could involve reading books, attending workshops, or engaging in therapy sessions that focus on building strategies to cope with adversity and change.
• Support Networks: Cultivate a strong support network of friends, family, and perhaps colleagues or mentors who understand and support you. Being able to share your thoughts and feelings with trustworthy individuals can provide emotional stability during turbulent times.

Final Thoughts

Take a moment to reflect on the areas of stability in your life and workplace. Consider the long-term benefits of what does not need to change and commit to nurturing these aspects.

Like a tree, let change be the branches reaching for the sky, but never forget the roots of stability that keep you grounded.

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