Column Pieter Vos: Come down from your ivory tower

The director surveys the shop floor with a somewhat grumpy expression. “Something really needs to change here,” he mutters. “This can’t go on any longer!” He calls his team together, hands out assignments and instructions, and, of course, introduces the new protocol he spent the past few days writing. It systematically lists every improvement point. The employees simply need to carry them out and check them off. How hard can that be? Satisfied, he returns to his office, puts his feet up on his desk, and leans back. “Well, that’s taken care of,” he concludes contentedly, only to discover a month later—during an inspection and while reviewing the numbers—that absolutely nothing has changed.

Okay, the situation may be a bit exaggerated, I’ll admit that. Still, this example comes uncomfortably close to reality. How many managers, ministers, directors, and CEOs promise to drive change forward... only to do so from positions where they are (literally and figuratively) looking down on “their” employees or the public? Too many, in my opinion. The key to success, change, and improvement is not sitting on that polished mahogany desk with the comfortable office chair behind it.

Do you want things to change within your company?
Do you want processes to genuinely improve?
Then start with yourself.

A good first step is to take a close look at your own mindset. Step down from your proverbial ivory tower and stand alongside your employees. No, not to monitor them. Work with them. Observe them—and truly see them. Talk to each other. Ask questions, lots of questions. And genuinely listen to their answers. Not only will you earn their trust, but you will also uncover where—and with whom—the fear lies that may be holding back change: where the deepest concerns are that stand in the way of improvement.

Only when you become part of the change process yourself will things begin to move.

Pieter Vos
Consultancy & Interim Management