Why is change so hard?

 A simple question, 

Why change is so hard? 

 

We have problems when it refer to changing, change our usual soda brand, change our couple, change our daily route or changing or even change what we are going to have for breakfast.

Probably the best answers are:

Routine: We are used to something, so either we are in our comfort zone or we just apply what has worked in the past.

Fear: Humans tend to develop fear towards what is unknown for them. 

So if changing is difficult for a single person, now imagine changing a whole company.

Old companies developed a rigid structure, when leaders get old they become stubborn. That stubbornness prohibits companies to change and adapt to today’s demands.

I wouldn’t call it lack of leadership; it is a clear lack of vision, and fear to change

Why would I change if always have worked this way?

One of the most common problems in today’s leadership positions.

In my personal experience, I worked for a strong marketing firm. This company had controlled and managed very important brands for a long time. Having a strong connection with the TV emporium, helped them to managed and create a very strong business.

The digital era arrives into the marketing field and the company was in a huge dilemma. Clearly, all analysts agree that TV (as we know it) is losing strength. The company clung to their old business model.

Why should I change, if this has always worked?

The results are clear; slowly they started losing business. Now, they are in a critical position, if they don’t shift their strategy their business will sink.

But this is not the only problem, the structure inside is so old, it is a good example of old "Cohesive style". You can clearly see that the HR department is a mess, they still using old bureaucratic manners.

This is a clear example of a young people company, managed by old leaders.

Either they adapt or I don't foresee success.

            

Why social justice matters (in business…and in life)?

What is justice?

There are many definitions for this term; it is highly polemic, because what is just for some people won’t be fair for others.  So the question I want to answer to start this blog is; a how fair is social justice, without being biased?

Social Justice is a state or doctrine of egalitarianism (Equality)

The fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated equally and without prejudice. See also civil rights.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.html#ixzz2gh7trlRE

Social Justice is extremely important, but in my personal opinion still is a utopia.

Companies are more aware of this issue nowadays and are trying hard to be equal, fair and promote equality. They claim to be Work place Diversity oriented and they state that there is not discrimination of any kind. What happens in real life is that when they realize that their company is compose in the majority for white people, they start looking for people from different races (minorities) to fill their spots.

 blog.diversitynursing.com

The truth is that they create a smokescreen to cover their lack of diversity and avoid problems. It is the same vicious circle, now they don’t care if the new applicants are skilled; they just look for a different person to fill their “Minority space”

Another issue worth talking is the “influences or recommendations”. Companies’ claims that this is over, and they will select the best candidate. However, this is not true, never have been and probably never will. Particularly talking about  private companies.

In my personal experience, I remember that at my work, a commercial director position was opened. There were two natural candidates (brand managers) that had developed an excellent work in the past. The board decided to have a third candidate (external). The 3 candidates went through the process and at the end the external candidate won the position, regardless the expertise and knowledge of the 2 other managers.

The new commercial director took her new position, after some time we realized that was one of the best friends of CMO. Time is wise and demonstrated that this was a totally biased decision. Her lack of management skills, absence of experience and stubbornness, plunged the whole department. This was a really bad decision and she was relocated from her position after a year of work.

I think we all are a little biased, sometimes is not because we want, it is because what we have learned and how the system has shaped us. At the same time, we like to use our influences to get a better job. We find the ways to get related to influential people to achieve our personal goals.

 It is highly important to be aware of this, and when the time comes to be in charge, try to leave apart relations, friendship, so we could choose wisely without being biased. One more thing, always give credit to the people that deserve it, this will drive you to an stability and will help to move forward the whole team.