I re-formatted my computer yesterday and instead of using my imaged backup I chose to start from scratch. Which seeded a train of thought about Chosen Change. As individuals there are countless opportunities to choose change- jobs, hobbies, friends, networks, environment, etc all have the potential to be tweaked, molded and turned upside down. The more that is upended at once the greater the possibility of different perspective, approach and, possibly, results.
While virtually impossible in most cases there are large systems that would benefit from upending chosen change- (caveat US and California viewpoint) the educational system, the health system, the legal system, the political system, fill in your own.
What about corporate scenarios then?
The argument against (yes this is real resistance) is that the level of effort, upending, behavioral adaptation needed makes Chosen Change impossible. It is usually viewed as, “starting over”. But in many ways isn’t that what happens when a company is sold? Or folded up into another? Or a new company is started by a previous employee (who soon becomes stiff competition)?
I would personally side with the resistors if it seemed show stopping assumptions would carry into the upended environment- with cultural assumptions and habits that is likely. If however the chosen change forced the assumptions to no longer be valid something new-in a good way- could come from upending.
Let’s call a truce between those who savor beginning again and those who see a time and resource black hole by letting this discussion be part of the change process early on. What comes out of the dialogue that follows might just be enhanced end states. Certainly it is a beginning for strategic collaboration and transparency.