Most leaders work diligently to have operations go smoothly, projects stay on time and within budget, and to keep clients happy. Their priority is to ensure there are no mistakes or issues that will derail their day or show flaws in their systems or services. Once operations are refined and perfect there should be no need for further change.

However, systems, services, products and operations in general have to be flexible and ready to change. The question is not if we will need to change one of these, the question is really when we will need to change. Issues that arise are really indicators that the systems or processes we have been using successfully in the past are not working in the present or moving into the future. 

If we view the mistakes, challenges, and issues as a sign that something needs to shift in order to grow, we would be less frustrated and more able to embrace change. The challenging circumstances we find ourselves in do not mean we have failed, but rather that we have new things to learn to navigate the next step.  Growth requires change, whether that change is adding new team members, adding additional services, trying innovative approaches, or revising our policies. All of these are critical to continued growth. 

When addressed from this perspective, we can see change in a positive light and appreciate the value we will gain from whatever situation has prompted us to consider a different approach. Another way of saying it would be, we have only failed if we do not learn from our mistakes. Learning then is the key which turns a potential issue into a golden opportunity. 

Embracing change and anticipating new ideas and opportunities is key to any leader’s work.  It also causes us to collaborate and watch for innovation that will propel us ahead. Instead of viewing change as negative, let’s anticipate great ideas and innovation that will emerge if we are open.