In lieu of making new year’s resolutions, some choose to select a word or create a vision board for this trip around the sun. Given the nature of the world and where I find myself personally and professionally, this year I have chosen a word – one that brings me hope and motivates me with a worthy challenge.
This word is “kaizen.”
Drawn from Japanese and well known in the lean continuous improvement arena, kaizen means “good change.” A series of colleagues introduced me to this concept over the last few years, and I count myself fortunate to carry it into 2021 and beyond.
The Nature of Change
Whether we consent or not, the only stable thing in life is change. The sun rises and change occurs. The sun sets and change occurs. Among many things, 2020 taught us that our way of life is not as predictable and secure as we thought. The trusted illusion and our sense of control were demystified. Change is constant.
Part of what makes change good, bad or neutral is mindset. Growth or fixed. Glass half full or half empty. How we think about and process the world around us is essential. However, many changes of last year were inarguably bad. Many, then, turn to silver linings and hidden blessings.
In addition to these admirable pursuits, in 2021, I am focused on taking action and brining about “good change.” In 2020, many felt odd that our supposed “patriotic, civic or humanitarian duty” was to…. sit on our couch. How heroic! Being told that this small action was somehow courageous fell flat. As scientists, medical professionals and frontline workers carried the brunt of the work, stress and heartache, we each found our own small way to contribute.
A New Year
As we move into a new year, that in ways may seem rather unchanged or dismal in its own fashion, I have chosen the word “kaizen” because as the world reawakens and life as we knew it slowly recovers, in my own little corner of the world, I will work to bring about good change and ensure it is well managed.
While change management is a much larger subject, now more than ever, change agents and change champions need to be more mindful of how we assess, communicate, roll out, evaluate and continuously improve change.
Humans are naturally change averse and right now, we are also change exhausted. How we bring about change matters. What we change matters. Let’s make both – the what and the how - good.
Courage to Change
Bringing about change requires thoughtfulness; it also requires conviction. Standing on the opposite side of comfort and popularity only occurs when we advocate for things which are larger than ourselves. Values and ideals. Freedom and possibilities. Better experiences and outcomes. Crafting a future of which to be proud.
The courage to communicate, iterate ideas and sacrifice is necessary. We must be prepared to learn, fall down, get back up, face challenge and mockery and hold steadfast to true north.
Leading change is not for the faint of heart. Leaders of change must, instead, take heart in the end goal of their mission – good. Any change is possible; only good change - kaizen - is worthwhile.
To the Point
Taking ownership to bring about good change is the first step. Empowering others to do the same is the second.
If we each take a small step in the right direction, Fitbits will ring out across the world, marathons will be run and positive progress can be made.
Will you join me in this kaizen effort?
Image source: https://www.kanbanchi.com/what-is-kaizen
Comments