The ships anchor digs into the seabed to ensure the ship doesn't drift in the current. A captain knows her craft and knows what type of anchor to use in each type of seabed. If the wrong anchor is used, it will never hold fast to the bottom, and the ship will drift aimlessly into danger.
When our organizational or personal shortcomings are discovered, change is required. The magnitude of the revealed gap will influence the effort invested in change. As the captain of our ship, we assess the seabed and determine what anchor is appropriate to ensure safety. Is it the anchor of transparency, accountability, training, vulnerability or another option on board?
Loss of the holiday 10 pounds will use a different solution than if integrity with our customers has been broken. In the former, the anchor can drag a bit before digging into the sediment. The latter demands immediate and drastic action to right the ship and begin the process of rebuilding the customer's trust.
Accountability is my go to anchor for any hope of getting the change to hold fast. Continuous vulnerability during a review of metrics ensures the anchor does not slip. In the light of day, it is easy to look at the shore and notice movement. However, the starless nights hide the shore-based reference points. If the anchor doesn't hold, the dangerous reef awaits to pierce the hull.
Going Further: What methods have you tried to ensure change sticks? What is your go-to method? What option makes you most uncomfortable, why? What is a change that has held for a long time?
Writing soundtrack: #awolnation #falloutboy