Change Doesn't Happen Overnight
And Neither Will Your Opinion of This Article
Hey there, change-makers and system-shakers! Ready for a mind-bending journey into the world of organizational change? Buckle up, because we're about to get meta.
First things first: I have absolutely zero expectation that you'll completely buy into everything I'm about to say by the end of this article. In fact, I'm counting on it. Why? Because that's exactly what this article is about!
The Great Change Paradox
Here's a truth bomb for you: Change doesn't happen after one rousing speech, a single well-crafted email, or even one brilliantly written article (yes, even this one). Shocking, I know.
Yet, how many times have we found ourselves frustrated when our teams don't immediately embrace our new, obviously genius ideas? It's like expecting your cat to suddenly love water after one trip to the beach. Spoiler alert: It's not happening, and you'll probably end up with some gnarly scratches.
The "Dog Food" Buffet
Now, let's get meta. I'm going to "dog food" this very concept right here, right now. As you read this article, pay attention to your own reactions. Are you nodding along? Skeptical? Thinking about what to have for lunch? (It's okay, we've all been there.)
By the end, you might find yourself in one of these camps:
The Enthusiast: "This is brilliant! I'm going to change everything tomorrow!"
The Skeptic: "Sounds nice in theory, but it'll never work in MY organization."
The Middler: "Interesting... I might try one or two things."
The Zoned-Out: "Wait, what were we talking about again?"
Guess what? All of these reactions are perfectly normal and expected. Because change – even just changing your mind – takes time.
The Slow Cooker Approach to Change
Think of organizational change like a slow cooker meal. You can't just throw in raw ingredients and expect a gourmet dish in five minutes. It takes time, the right environment, and maybe a few taste tests and adjustments along the way.
Here's a half-baked (pun intended) recipe for you:
Introduce the idea (Hey, that's what we're doing now!)
Let it simmer (Give people time to mull it over)
Stir occasionally (Remind them, but don't nag)
Add spices as needed (Provide more information or examples)
Taste test (Try small implementations)
Adjust seasoning (Refine based on feedback)
Serve when ready (Full implementation)
Remember, even the most delicious slow-cooked meals started as a bunch of raw ingredients that didn't look too appetizing at first.
The Meta Moment
Now, here's where it gets really meta. As you're reading this, you're experiencing the very process we're talking about. Some of you might be all in already (hello, Enthusiasts!). Others might be thinking, "This food analogy is a stretch" (I see you, Skeptics). And that's okay!
The point is, change – whether it's in your organization or just in your own thinking – is a journey, not a destination. It's more marathon than sprint, more slow cooker than microwave.
Your Change Challenge
As we wrap up this mind-bending, self-referential journey, here's a challenge for you:
Reflect on your current reaction to this article.
Set a reminder to revisit this article in a week.
When you come back, notice if your thoughts have evolved.
You might be surprised. Or not. Either way, you'll have experienced firsthand the gradual nature of change.
The Grand Finale (That's Not Really Final)
So, dear reader, as we part ways (for now), remember: I don't expect you to have a complete change of heart about change after reading this. That would be like expecting to become a master chef after watching one cooking show.
But maybe, just maybe, the next time you're trying to implement a change in your organization, you'll think back to this article. You might chuckle at the food analogies, or roll your eyes at the meta approach. But hopefully, you'll also remember to give change – and the people you're asking to change – the time and space they need to simmer, stew, and eventually, transform.
Now, if you'll excuse me, all this talk of slow cookers has made me hungry. Time to practice some patience while I wait for my dinner to cook!
To your meta-meal!
Josh Anderson
Editor-In-Chief
Leadership Lighthouse
🕸Ready to swing into your own "Changeverse"?🕸
You've just experienced a taste of meta-learning about change. But like any good post-credits scene, there's more to discover!
Introducing the "Multiversal Change Mastery" program with Josh Anderson!
🕷️ Dimension 1: Gradual Change Mastery
🕸️ Dimension 2: Meta-Learning Techniques
🦸♂️ Dimension 3: Leadership Across Realities (aka Your Various Team Dynamics)
With over 20 years of crossing between the dimensions of startups and Fortune 500 companies, I'm your friendly neighborhood change guide. Together, we'll:
Unravel the complex web of organizational change
Develop your "spider-sense" for detecting resistance and opportunities
Master the art of swinging between short-term actions and long-term vision
Remember: Just as Peter Parker didn't become a seasoned Spider-Man overnight, mastering change is a journey. But why swing solo when you can team up with an experienced guide?
Ready to break through the multi-verse of change? Let's connect!
Contact me for a free "Dimensional Shift" strategy session.
P.S. No radioactive spiders involved, but I can't promise your perspective on change won't be delightfully mutated!