Changing Reality

You know the feeling. That rock in the pit of your stomach as you contemplate the changes that must be made, while at the same time allowing individuals the time to make appropriate changes themselves, it is the cycle of "chicken or the egg". Then, it becomes clear that ownership must be your own. Change is never popular, even in the face of its necessity. It is interesting how perspectives can be constructed from above and below, all relative to points of view and sometimes from mere perceptions without any base of factual data or even in the face of facts. There is nothing more dangerous than bases of power influencing decisions without facing reality. I struggle to be and remain objective as to the given reality, yet persuasion and influence, aided and unaided can become a driver, notably when performance pressure is in full throttle. Regardless, once the change is made, it must be seen through. Once the change is made perceptions and realities begin to change. Once the leadership enjoins the behaviors necessary to cause permanent change, then change occurs. Deming stated that "knowledge always comes from the outside, and by invitation only" - our responsibility is to make the invitation.