Leading transformation
Novel ideas to overcome obstacles to change.
Author(s): Nathan Furr, Kyle Nel, Thomas Zoëga Ramsøy
Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
Date of publication: 2018
Manageris opinion
It is clear that companies must constantly evolve to keep pace with their markets, their environment, technical advances, etc. Yet, a majority of transformation initiatives does not meet expectations. These failures are rarely the result of strategic or technical shortcomings, and are generally linked to human factors. The main obstacles lie in our fear of change, in the weight of habits, in political conflicts or, more simply, in the difficulty we have picturing a future that is totally different from our everyday life. How can we overcome these obstacles?
This book offers up a few original answers, relying on the example of Lowe’s, an American retailer specializing in DIY and gardening. A long-established but ageing player in its market, the company was able to thoroughly reform itself. It was notably the first to introduce 3D printers for the home market or to develop augmented reality applications to help plan an interior design makeover. Many innovative approaches were introduced to overcome resistance and inertia—by appointing science-fiction writers to imagine the future of interior design for example, or by using virtual reality to mobilize its staff.
A wealth of ideas is here that could inspire you to instill change in your company.
