Is change management a taboo subject?

Written by: Pieter van den Berg

Last week I returned from Scotland. A beautiful country with rugged nature, rich history and fascinating culture. Think of Adam Smith, founder of modern economics. But also Culloden Moor, where in 1746 the Scots were crushed by the English. An event that shows that change is often painful – and yet always continues.

What struck me in Scotland is how visible those changes are over the centuries. Castles that were once mighty strongholds now stand as silent ruins in the middle of the landscape. And in the pubs you hear proud stories of traditions, but also of how people had to adapt again and again. Change is in their blood.

That got me thinking. We sometimes act as if change is a thing of now. Already everything will change is the thought. But even in 1949 people were complaining about technological advances that would cost jobs. Today that same concern is heard again. Yet time and time again it turns out: we adapt, find new forms and move forward.

What has changed, however, is speed. Data is everywhere, business models live shorter than a Scottish summer, and markets are more international than ever. As an entrepreneur, I recognize this daily: the solution that seemed smart last year already feels dated.

And yet we still hang a heavy label on change. We call it “change management” and launch extensive programs. While the practice is often a lot simpler. Within our companies, we are constantly changing. Not because we have to, but because it is better for the customer, more efficient for the process or simply more logical.

So perhaps change management is not a profession but our daily bread. Just as the Scots embrace the rain every day, we should take change for granted.
Therefore, to quote the Scots, “Change isn’t coming, it’s already here.”

This article appeared in the fall edition of INTO business Haarlemmermeer Schiphol.