MIX IT UP

There is comfort in routine; in doing things that have worked before; in traveling an already worn path. Unfortunately, to thrive in today's hyper-dynamic world we must become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Repeating past behavior is no guarantee of success. In fact, it often provides an opening for our competition and positions us firmly on a path that exits at mediocrity.

I was once counseled to never be a pioneer because pioneers get shot. I never took to this advice and am even less inclined to do so today. To grow we must be willing to be the first to try things - to be different. Being different means making mistakes - getting shot at. But a company that does not differentiate and change is a company that will not prosper. What differentiated a company yesterday may have little relevance today. Sears was the biggest - no more. Microsoft was the IT maven - no more. Levi's was the only jean to consider - no more. These companies, and so many more like them, found a comfort zone and stayed there while the world passed them by.

Today's leader must be comfortable with change, open to being challenged, embrace new ideas that prove disruptive, take chances that are light on empirical data, accept failure (including their own) and always be on the lookout for a better way. In short, today's leader must be willing to mix it up.

Mixing up the status quo breathes life into an organization. Yes, new ideas and directions can cause apprehension and concern in an organization not practiced in this behavior. Some people will not adapt to this change in value set. But for those who do, and for the organization as a whole, a new energy pervades the culture. The company moves from a "No" bias to one of "Yes". The mantra becomes: If one is to err, err to the side of change. The process is not easy but with proper leadership and a victory or two it can happen quickly. A key ingredient is to clearly communicate the vision and strategy. This makes change easier for everyone. People need to know and buy into where the company is headed. This becomes everyone's anchor.

Change for change's sake is not what this is about. This is about learning to welcome and anticipate change and a willingness to accept a certain level of discomfort. From this opportunities arise - opportunities that would otherwise be missed. Oft times the new idea and its anticipated result falls short of expectations. Ironically, this can be a very good thing. So often the process leads us to an unintended result that proves extraordinarily worthwhile - sometimes more worthwhile than the initial objective. This speaks to the vibrancy of the process and the need to experiment. Being held captive by a company's collective past is not a prescription for future success. The world is dynamic, ever changing, forward looking and fast paced. Ditto for each us if we are to reach our goals.

Leaders must have their eyes and ears open at all times, but there must be a disciplined evaluation process for new ideas that assesses each idea's upside potential and downside cost. Participants in this process must become comfortable with uncertainty and incomplete information. Inevitably there are more unknowns than knowns - hence our need to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. A rigorous process attended by trusted stakeholders is critical to making a sound decision.

Creating a company culture that welcomes new ideas and is comfortable with the uncomfortable is the leader's responsibility. So mix it up with gusto. Encourage new thinking. Reward different. Make change your friend. Without this no company prospers.