When I bought a new computer, it came with an operating system.
I added the apps I needed — Word, Excel, and so on — and everything worked seamlessly.
When I took over a struggling business, it also came with an “operating system”… the people. But unlike the computer, things didn’t run smoothly.
We changed the accounting system (a new “app”) — and it helped for a while.
We introduced new sales training (another “app”) — again, it helped for a while.
But then reality set in:
- 20% of the people — the enlightened ones — embraced the changes.
- 20% — the dinosaurs — resisted.
- The remaining 60% were undecided, swaying depending on who managed them.
We even brought in a culture change programme. Initially, it was energising and positive. But, like the other “apps,” over time things drifted back to where we started.
The truth is, every person was running their own internal operating system. And that’s where the real problem lay.
🔑 You can’t transform a business simply by adding new “apps.”
Lasting change happens when everyone is working from the same operating system.Those at the very top of an organisation, CEO, Chair etc are uniquely responsible for the culture they enable within the organisation. They MUST make sure they have the best operating system that enables them to grow and therefore the organisation. Any fears at the top of an organisation will cascade down the business chain and restrict growth.