“Change is the narrowest and hardest groove that a man can get into.” G. K. Chesterton
The operations manager lamented that his company had been hot and cold on implementing lean manufacturing for the past ten years. He was coming to the realization that as his energy level and commitment to the process ebbed and flowed, so did that of his managers.
Change is not a sprint; in fact, it’s a marathon requiring inexhaustible energy and staying power from those who lead it. And, for the people who prefer a less hurried and more monotonous work pace, you are wise to count the cost before committing to that groove.
And then, there are those restless souls who get bored quickly and have to keep changing things. During a recent coaching session I pointed out to the Managing Director his high work pace and need for variety and change. He replied, “So, you won’t be surprised to learn that I’m on my third marriage.” We laughed; and yet, there is a certain sorrow and exhaustion in that groove.
Fight change, and it will break you. Ignore change, and you become irrelevant. Worship change, and you become its slave. Respect change, and you will discover the richness of the past and the promise of a future. Staying power!