Transformation
transfəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n
NOUN – A marked change in the form, nature, appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that that thing or person is improved.
The world is talking about transformation — it is the word of the moment. Everybody wants some of it…
So how do you create organisational transformation? It is simple, you change people’s behaviour. If people behave differently then your organisation will transform. Behaviour is the key.
If you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you always got ~ Anon
How do you influence behaviour?
There is a line of thought that the ability to influence behaviour comes from three sources:
- Knowledge, people who understand how things work can show their expertise
- Personality, people who are likeable can use their interpersonal skills
- Authority, people who are high-ranking and important can rely on their position
What could go wrong?
One source of influence is rarely enough:
- You could be brilliant but incapable of persuading anybody to do anything
- You could be great fun, likeable and persistent but clueless
- You could have the job title, but be a prize dope
If your organisation is to transform for the better it needs to take the best course of action. That isn’t always the same thing as the course of action promoted by the most likeable, or important person.
Cultivating influence
Of the three (and as anyone who has ever worked for the prize dope will tell you) relying on your authority is the least effective way of creating change.
Successful managers know this, they don’t use their position. They develop relationships, cultivate friends and allies and build their knowledge and that of those around them.
The more sources of influence you have, the more likely you are to transform your organisation, for the better.
So if you have the transformation bug…
Or have been promoted, and are a little worried that you have become the prize dope, then there are a couple of questions worth asking:
- How do you develop knowledge?
- How do you become more charming?
If you find a good answer to the latter, then I’m all ears.
The highest type of ruler is one of whose existence the people are barely aware.
Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one whom they fear.
Next comes one whom they despise and defy
~ Lao-Tzu 5th Century BC
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Image by Thomas Hawk
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