Learning To Surf Change

According to futurists, in 25 years time organisations are likely to experience about 30 times more change than today, thanks mainly to technological changes, an increasingly globalised economy and higher lifestyle expectations.

Learning how to conquer change and transformation is therefore a critical organisational skill.

Its just like learning to surf.

1. Read the conditions: There is no point heading off to surf in an area where waves are limited, or where there are too many surfers are competing for space. Before choosing the best way to transform, executives and key decision makers need to read the influences of environment, industry, competitor and other changes on organisational better and faster than competitors. Solution innovation using DeBonos DOPs or other models should be regularly conducted.
   Align on which ‘set’: Its going to be much more efficient and effective if all executives agree to surf in the same location. This will enable the organisation to work more effectively and effiiciently overall on mastering one set of waves at a time.
2. Paddle out with strength- Establishing dedicated teams behind the delivery of individual initiatives is needed to strengthen the ability to successful achieve goals. Backfills and other forms of support should be funded and provided for subject matter experts and other key personel that are pulled away from business as usual activity. Visible, accountable and active sponsors should work with delivery teams to create and agree SMART milestones, supported by clear allocation of responsibility to individuals for the delivery of each milestone. Regular review of the progress of each inititiatve should form part of the regular governance rhythm.
3. Wait to catch the right wave – Without the right wave, no matter how good you are at surfing, you wont fully realise the benefits of the wave and make it into shore. Similarly, its important to sequence milestones and wait until the organisation is ready to successfully implement any one wave of activity – taking into account funding and resourcing constraints, risks and dependencies. An enterprise governance model, including change collision map and chanson wall should be established to monitor impacts on user groups and ensure that activity can be sustainable embedded.
4. Know how to stand up on the board– Transformation is inherehtly chaotic and fear and resistance will be felt by most people. In preparing for your first ride, its important to establish your vision of success, conduct readiness workshops, training, communications and engagement for change. Once you are on the wave you will then be well prepared to manage your fears and focus on standing up to deliver.
5. Ride change into shore– Staying on the wave takes fitness, mental agility, sustained concentration on the present moment and persistence to achieve your goal. Similarly, to successfully ride change in order to achieve benefits , all people involved in transformation need to manage their physical, mental and emotional health and fitness; understand and minimise stress triggers and become skilled at being mindful. when the ride becomes challenging, it also servers to remember the vision of success and that working together for the collective good will keep spirits more buoyant.
6. Keep surfing! Become an expert- Establish competitive advantage by becoming an expert in surfing the waves of change and transformation.