“When we set out to change things, we don't pay enough attention to what we want to leave unchanged.” - Dietrich Dörner
This quote reflects a fundamental truth about leadership: the complexity of systems and the interconnectedness of their components.
Leaders often make the mistake of assuming that changing one aspect of an organization will have a straightforward impact, while everything else remains constant. However, this is far from the truth. Organizations are intricate systems, and any change in one part will send ripples throughout the entire system, altering it in ways that may not always be anticipated or desired, but, does it matter?
So, how can leaders navigate this complex web of interconnectedness and influence outcomes effectively? By recognizing that their interventions are not isolated events but rather part of a larger system. This requires thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a deep understanding of how each part of the organization interacts with the whole.
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The Intricacies of Organizational Change Dynamics
Going back to the ripple effect that changes can cause in an organization, this is not unlike the waves in a pond when a stone is thrown in. The initial impact creates a series of concentric circles that spread outward, affecting everything in their path. Similarly, when a leader initiates change, the repercussions are felt across different layers of the organization, with varying degrees of intensity.
Understanding this concept is crucial for leaders aiming to effect change within their organizations. It requires a shift in perspective, moving away from linear cause-and-effect thinking towards a more holistic understanding of the system. Instead of focusing solely on the desired change, leaders must consider the broader implications and potential consequences of their actions, and prioritize accordingly.
Apple's Lesson in Strategic Decision-Making
This may not be news to you, dear reader, but Apple's Marketing Philosophy has three major pillars:
(1) Empathy
Intimate connection with the feelings of the customer. We will truly understand their needs better than any other company.
(2) Focus
In order to do a good job of those things that we decide to do, we must eliminate all unimportant opportunities.
(3) Impute
People DO judge a book by its cover. So we need to make sure that when we present our product we convey it in a manner that portrays the desired qualities.
While all three could be dissected and analyzed individually, and that may take us 10,000 pages, for the purpose of this entry, let's focus on #2 - we promise to delve into the other two in future posts.
Focus, as defined by Apple, means eliminating all unimportant opportunities to concentrate on the tasks at hand. This deliberate choice reflects a clear strategy and direction, emphasizing discipline and focus.
Apple’s strength isn’t just in what it creates; it’s in what it doesn’t create. Think of all the product ideas Apple must reject to stay laser-focused on its core priorities.
In contrast, Dietrich Dörner's quote highlights the risk of overlooking what we want to leave unchanged. This juxtaposition reveals a key distinction: while Apple intentionally focuses on specific opportunities, it does so with a keen understanding of the broader landscape, consciously choosing to disregard certain paths in favour of a more defined trajectory.
This strategic decision-making is what sets Apple apart. By carefully selecting where to direct its resources and attention, Apple ensures that its efforts are concentrated on what truly matters, enabling the company to stay ahead in a competitive market.
The lesson here is clear: strategic focus is not just about what you choose to pursue but also about what you consciously decide to leave behind, sometimes, unattended. It's about understanding the bigger picture and making intentional choices that align with your long-term goals.
In essence, both approaches advocate for a thoughtful approach to change and focus, whether it's about acknowledging what shouldn't change or identifying what's truly important among various opportunities.
What if your most transformative leadership move is not what you start but what you stop?
Navigating Trade-Offs and Long-Term Thinking
At its core, strategy is about making deliberate trade-offs, consciously choosing to prioritize certain opportunities over others. It's a balancing act that requires both a clear vision and a degree of faith in the chosen path.
This process begins with articulating a vision and a mission, which serve as the guiding principles behind the strategy. However, it's important to recognize that strategy isn't solely driven by beliefs; rather, it's a combination of rational decision-making and a willingness to commit to a particular course of action.
It’s not “yes, and” but “yes, instead.”
“I don’t know what the soybean crop will be [this year or next]. If somebody makes a lot of money in soybeans, so what? It’s not my game.” - Warren Buffet
Finding your game and staying focused on it, as Warren Buffet exemplifies in his quote, is key to successful strategy execution. By staying true to your vision and mission, you allow opportunities to evolve naturally while remaining steadfast in your chosen direction.
He doesn’t chase every opportunity—he plays a game of deliberate focus.
Another one from the great Oracle of Omaha:
“[I’m not bothered if the stock price of Coca-Cola goes up or down from one day to the next]. What I do care about is how many people will be drinking Coca-Cola products ten years from now. That’s what counts.” - Warren Buffer
Buffet's perspective on long-term thinking reinforces this approach. Instead of being swayed by short-term fluctuations, he emphasizes the importance of looking ahead and considering the future implications of today's decisions.
In strategy, this long-term mindset is often overlooked but can be a powerful advantage. It allows you to see beyond immediate gains and losses, focusing instead on the enduring impact of your actions.
Consider This: What if your next innovation initiative started by identifying what shouldn’t change?
The Hidden Power of Choosing Stillness Amid Change
Imagine standing at the helm of a ship in a storm. Your instinct is to act—pull levers, adjust sails, shout orders. But what if the best move is to hold steady, knowing that too much tinkering could capsize the boat? This counterintuitive wisdom applies to leadership. The hardest, most courageous choice is often to do nothing—to let stability guide you through turbulence.
In a world addicted to speed and transformation, stillness can be radical. It forces leaders to pause, reflect, and ask the hard questions:
Are we solving the right problems?
What does success look like five, ten, or twenty years from now?
Which values and structures are non-negotiable?
Are You Leading for Legacy or Headlines?
Leadership today feels like a never-ending performance, driven by LinkedIn updates, quarterly metrics, and the endless churn of digital applause. But here’s the kicker: Great leaders don’t lead for today—they lead for the uncharted future. They prioritize legacy over immediate gratification, sustainability over flash, and systems over silos.
Ask yourself:
Are your decisions driven by genuine purpose or the desire to appear innovative?
When you champion change, are you protecting what matters most or simply chasing novelty?
Embracing the Complexity in Leadership and Change
Change is not just about what we choose to alter but also about what we consciously leave unchanged. This nuanced understanding requires a shift in perspective, moving away from linear thinking towards a holistic view of systems.
Leaders who grasp this complexity navigate change with a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness within their organizations. They understand that every action sends ripples through the system, impacting not just the intended target but the entire organization. This awareness fosters a strategic approach that considers the broader implications of decisions, leading to more effective and sustainable change.
Let's consider our own approach to change and strategy. How might these perspectives inform your leadership style? What strategies can you implement to navigate change more effectively?
In conclusion, our journey has illuminated the intricacies of change and strategy, highlighting the need for a holistic and intentional approach. By embracing this complexity, we can orchestrate change with purpose and foresight, creating a harmonious future for our organizations and ourselves.
Very valuable post
Well done Mati!