There are many models for transformation. Some of these work but others fail for various reasons. Several points are worth considering when focusing on the idea of transformation.
The first step is to clarify the picture of success. The second step is to maintain what is actually working because otherwise things fall apart. The third step is to build something better for the future and deliver success.
The positive transformation starts by aiming: a) to clarify the specific goals to achieve – the picture of success; b) to clarify the benefits of achieving these goals.
Whatever the situation, this involves looking ahead and focusing on the following themes.
Imagine that people have clarified the goals and the benefits. Bearing these in mind, they can clarify their strategy for achieving the goals. One approach is for them:
To build on their strengths and the best from the past;
To build something better by following the totally radical approach rather than the tinkering around approach;
To build something that gets some quick wins and delivers success.
Imagine that people have taken these steps and shown how the positive transformation works. When appropriate, they can then replace the previous way that does not work with the new approach that does work.
Different people follow the totally radical – rather than tinkering at the edges – approach in different situations. Let’s look at some examples.
An alcoholic aims to transform their life by following a healthier lifestyle one day at a time.
A school aims to transform its educational system by following one that enables students to thrive in the 21st Century.
A country aims to transform its health system by really putting patients at the centre and, as far as possible, providing local health care.
The positive transformational approach calls for people building on their strengths rather than doing some completely alien. The art lies in helping a person, organisation or society to find these strengths.
The approach then calls for following strategies that work. Sometimes this calls for being creative and, in some cases, using modern resources. It is then to get some quick wins and deliver ongoing success.
Different people take this approach in different ways. Whatever their situation, however, people sometimes ask the following question:
Bearing in mind our strengths and
the changes happening in the world:
If we were starting our organisation again
today, what would we do to deliver success?
Let’s look at how one company took this approach. They explored how they could manage both today’s business and tomorrow’s business to achieve sustainable success.
They began by focusing on how to improve today’s business. This included continuing to provide great service to their current clients and, when appropriate, develop repeat business.
They then explored how to transform parts of the business to shape a positive future. The leader gathered key people in the company and encouraged them to work through the following themes.
The leader encouraged people to contribute their ideas. As a result, the company continued to build on its strengths, set specific goals and follow strategies that worked. This led to them implementing practical ideas:
To improve its approach to delivering today’s business;
To introduce a successful approach to delivering tomorrow’s business.
There are many ways to do superb work. Sometimes this involves improving the present system. Sometime it involves doing something totally radical rather than tinkering around the edges.
Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way? What may happen as a result of taking these steps?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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