Pivoting Through Change
Change is inevitable in any organization. And by “inevitable,” I mean it shows up uninvited, with no snacks, and makes you wish you had chosen a simpler career—like herding cats. Whether it’s a small business or a larger group trying to modernize (because of course we’ve been doing it this way since 1987), tackling inefficiencies is both exciting and headache-inducing.
So what happens when the perfect solution isn’t an option? When the fancy technology you’ve been drooling over isn’t in the budget, or the people on your team look at you like you’ve grown three heads every time you say “process improvement?” You pivot. You adapt. And yes, you make the best of a messy situation, even if it’s not Instagram-worthy.
Discovering the Current State
Every change initiative starts with a “discovery phase,” which is just a fancy way of saying, “Let’s figure out what’s broken.” Spoiler alert: It’s usually more than you think. This phase tends to reveal three kinds of processes:
- Outright Mistakes: Stuff that’s just wrong. Like, “How did this even get approved?” wrong.
- Inefficiencies: Things that work but make you want to pull your hair out because they’re so clunky.
- Effective but Limited Systems: The “it’s fine” category. Sure, they’re fine… until you actually try to grow or change anything.
I’ve sat through these meetings where someone says, “But this is how we’ve always done it,” and it’s like being handed a fossil. Fascinating? Sure. Functional? Not so much.
When Technology Isn’t the Silver Bullet
Everyone loves the idea that technology will fix everything. “We just need [insert shiny new software], and all our problems will disappear!” Except… no. Technology is great, but it’s not a magic wand. Here’s why:
- Budget Constraints: Spoiler alert: Fancy software can be expensive.
- Compatibility Issues: The shiny new tool doesn’t always play nice with your existing systems.
- Team Resistance: Ever tried convincing someone to change their workflow? Fun times.
Sometimes, you don’t need new tech. Sometimes, you just need to roll up your sleeves and streamline what’s already there. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Process Improvement Without Perfection
Here’s the thing: The perfect solution? It’s a unicorn. Rarely exists. Probably overrated. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. This is where incremental improvements come in.
Start with what you can fix. Maybe it’s automating one step or eliminating a redundant task. Small wins add up, and before you know it, you’ve made a big impact—without needing to sell a kidney to afford the “perfect” system.
When I work with clients, I always say, “Let’s pick one thing and make it better.” No one says you have to overhaul the world in a day. Small steps, people. Small steps.
Pivoting as a Leader
Let’s talk about pivoting. No, not the “Friends” couch scene—though that does feel accurate. Pivoting as a leader is about adapting when your plan goes off the rails (which it will).
Here’s how you do it:
- Prioritize what’s going to make the biggest difference now.
- Be honest with your team about what’s happening and why.
- Keep the end goal in mind while tackling the fires in front of you.
Sometimes you have to say, “Okay, this isn’t what we planned, but it’s what we need right now.” It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. And people respect real.
The Art of Making Do (and Making It Work)
Change is messy. It’s unpredictable. It’s like trying to bake a soufflé without a recipe. But here’s the good news: You don’t need perfection to make progress. You just need a clear view of where you are, a plan for where you want to go, and the willingness to pivot when things go sideways.
I’ve been there. Scrambling to make things work when the perfect plan falls apart. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because at the end of the day, progress—even imperfect progress—is still progress. And that’s something worth celebrating.