By Virgil Benyayer
When it comes to business transformation, one thing is certain: nothing ever goes exactly to plan.
Executives surveyed recommend adopting an agile approach, capable of staying on course without becoming locked into a rigid plan. The idea is to constantly adapt methods and adjust plans in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
An executive testifies:
“Merging two entities is not just about aligning processes. If cultures diverge, tensions emerge”.
This example illustrates how essential it is to anticipate, test, adjust and persevere.
The Test & Learn approach avoids major bottlenecks by regularly adjusting priorities according to the results obtained.
Three imperatives systematically recur in the testimonies of executives:
Establish clear indicators, both to monitor progress in real time and to quickly identify internal resistance or misunderstandings.
Be ready to correct quickly: accept that some initial assumptions were wrong and don’t hesitate to readjust.
Maintain an open dialogue: listen to feedback from teams in the field to identify what’s working and what needs to be reviewed.
The important thing is not to be afraid of making course corrections. Flexibility is an essential skill for successful transformation.
Anticipation is obviously crucial. But, as one executive reminds us:
“We don’t know what we don’t know.”
In other words, trying to lock everything down can be counter-productive. Excessive foresight leads to “analysis paralysis” syndrome, where everything has to be perfect before you can act.
If you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll never get started… and you’ll never change anything.
Conversely, persistence and impulsiveness can lead to avoidable mistakes.
The right balance? Intelligent anticipation, combined with a pragmatic, data-driven approach.
One executive cites the example of the Chairman’s Club, set up to reward the best employees during a business transformation.
Unexpected success: 82% of employees were invited, creating both a tremendous emulation effect… but also complex logistics and discomfort for the minority not selected.
This example shows that even positive change can generate unexpected challenges.
When it comes to change, it’s all about balance:
Avoid excessive rigidity that blocks action.
Prevent relentless or impulsive decisions.
Adopt an agile, flexible and data-driven posture.
Change requires a clear-cut but lucid attitude, always guided by a clear vision and calculated risk-taking.
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