"We've always done it this way"
An often used line that some say is the most dangerous saying in business. (The quote is attributable to Grace Hopper, an American computer pioneer and naval officer). This line is also sometimes used to accompany the need for transformation and change. Because change and transformation, to be effective and sustainable, must be rigorously sold to engage hearts and minds.
But selling the need to change is always situational. Do you use a 'burning platform?' - we must change or we'll die! Or do you challenge people with a thought provoking statement and ask them to reflect on how things get done today? It's a fine balance.
I think there is something really interesting at the heart of "We've always done it this way" that is worth exploring. What happens if you don't change and things stay the same? What if you do try and change and it doesn’t go to plan? What can we learn?
I've created always done it to explore transformation and change themes around this fascinating topic. I’ve also added links to my long form blogs.
Guy Butler, Transformation Director
Throughout my career I have gained a reputation for supporting businesses on a transformational journey through delivering award-winning improvement solutions, achieving operational excellence, substantial business improvements and £multimillion cost savings.
My Key Skills:
• Business and Digital Transformation Leadership
• Target Operating Model Optimisation
• Organisation Redesign Future State Planning
• Stakeholder Management and Employee Engagement
• Cost Reduction (Headcount and Task Duplication)
• Enterprise Wide Strategic Change Initiatives
• Process Streamlining / Continuous Improvement
• Operational Excellence Programme Leadership
• Customer Journey Review and Optimisation
• Global Sales Operations Transformation
• Ensuring Teamwork makes the Dream Work!
“Guy joined the team during a critical time in the business to drive forward a major transformation programme sponsored by the CEO, CFO and Chief Revenue Officer. A cornerstone of this was the establishment of a new global Sales Performance and Operations function – which needed to be set up in parallel with driving business results. During this time Guy worked with the team and other senior colleagues to stand up the new function – including organisation redesign, target model and business process reengineering to ensure alignment with strategy. Guy managed all of this, including relationships with other functions e.g. HR, Finance”.
- SVP Testimonial
Photos credit: Kurt Rebry Photography