Change the System
Buckminster Fuller said, "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
Meaning to a business owner:
As a business owner, ‘hiccups’ invariably happen. Something doesn’t go as planned. A potential new sale is lost. Providing service to a customer fails because of one thing. You know the story as you have lived it multiple times. Disappointments happen. Frustration increases. Anxiety and sleeplessness follow. You start by introducing change, incrementally. Changing this sales system. Revising your billing process, and so forth.
Yet, other problems reoccur. Whack-a-mole.
It can be easy to get stuck in the status quo and focus on fighting against the existing reality. Remember that you created the very ‘system’ you are unhappy about. You did the right thing, at the right time, and you can’t fault yourself or your people.
Things change, though, internally and externally. If you are unhappy or concerned now, stop trying to change people and systems; change the system instead. Not having productive staff meetings? Rethink the agenda, focus on aligning discussion with strategy and increasing personal accountability. Annual strategic planning not working for you? Do it differently. Focus on the big important things.
Fuller's quote reminds us that true change comes from building a new model that makes the old one obsolete. This means that instead of solely focusing on making incremental changes to your business, you should consider taking a step back and reimagining the entire model.
When building a new model, it is important to keep an optimistic mindset. Change can be scary, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. By embracing change and taking risks, you can position your business for long-term success.
Another important aspect of building a new model is involving your team in the process. Your leadership team and your employees are on the front lines of your business and likely have valuable insights into what is and isn't working. By involving them in the process, you can create a sense of ownership and buy-in for the new model.
Stop tweaking. Buckminster Fuller's quote serves as a reminder that true change comes from building a new model that makes the existing one obsolete. As a business owner, it is important to keep an optimistic mindset when approaching change and involve your team in the process. By doing so, you can position your business for long-term success and growth.
