As a CEO and former change director I have experienced many aspects of corporate change in global organisations. My view is that resistance to something good does not exist. Only bad change causes resistance. In general terms therefore, any organisational change which causes resistance is based on bad logic. I suggest that the logical part of the brain changes instantly when the need for change is obvious and clear. People can adapt in an instant when the logic says 1 + 1 = 2. However, people are emotional and physical beings and when these aspects are taken into account, then every change needs to be translated into what it means physically, mentally and emotionally to that individual.
It is bad change that causes resistance. In general terms in companies resistance exists when bad logic is applied and people do not understand and can not relate physically or emotionally to what is being either demanded or imposed.
In the company I run we have a company saying 'Anything that counts lasts, Anything that lasts adapts'. This gives the vision of our company values to our employees. Integrating vision into corporate action is the most difficult yet vital function of any CEO and Board. If this is beyond the capability of this management team then like any fish which is rotting, the problems start at the head.
Marius Van Huijstee
CEO, Netherlands |  |
