We hosted our June ‘members only’ round table discussion event at the Bulls Head in Hale Barns last week. The event was expertly hosted by Dr Alastair Jones, founder of Cadence Leadership, and the subject we tackled as a group was 'Leadership & Navigating Change'.
The event started with a beautifully prepared breakfast together, with choices of Eggs Benedict, Ciabatta with Avocado and Poached Eggs, and healthy options such as Porridge with honey.
The members then took part in the main discussion group which covered the following subjects:
Navigating Leadership and Change in a VUCA World
In today's business landscape, we find ourselves in what is often described as a VUCA world—one that is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. This environment demands that organisations adapt and innovate continuously to stay relevant. As one insightful quote from our discussion group emphasised, “Organisations that encourage creativity will inherit the future.”
The Necessity of Self-Disruption
A critical takeaway from our session was the importance of businesses being willing to disrupt themselves. If they are unwilling, there will always be someone else ready to disrupt them. We discussed examples such as the rise of Netflix over Blockbuster and Uber's disruption of the traditional taxi industry. The question we now face is: what will be the next big disruptor?
Future Areas Primed for Disruption
Looking ahead to the next five to ten years, our group deduced that several areas are particularly ripe for disruption:
Bitcoin as Legal Tender: The potential for cryptocurrencies to become mainstream in financial transactions.
Energy: Advancements in fusion and modular reactors that promise to produce energy with minimal waste.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: The controversial notion that the industry may resist outright cures in favour of long-term medication sales.
Education: A shift towards person-centred learning, moving away from traditional education models.
Understanding and Managing Change
We also explored the concept of change within organisations. A notable example was from our own K-Club members, Seashell Trust, which appointed a Chief Executive with commercial experience to better manage the scale and risks associated with the voluntary sector. Understanding how change is implemented—both successfully and unsuccessfully—provides valuable lessons.
Types of Change: Radical vs. Incremental
We then went on to explore how change can be either radical or incremental. In times of crisis, which presents both danger and opportunity, organisations must navigate different types of change. The innovation lifecycle, strategic drift, and continuous improvement are all parts of this complex process.
Managing the Human Aspect of Change
One key insight discussed was the human reaction to change. People often view change as a form of loss, affecting their security, competence, relationships, sense of direction, and territory. Effective change management, therefore, requires sensitivity to these perceptions.
The Process for Managing Change
We discussed Bridge’s Theory and the 4 P’s of managing change:
Purpose: Clearly define the reason behind the change.
Picture: Create a compelling vision of the future.
Plan: Develop a detailed strategy for implementation.
Part: Clarify the role each person will play in the transition.
Additionally, the 2 C’s—Care and Concern—highlight the importance of communication and empathy. It’s crucial to take people along with you rather than imposing change upon them.
Feedback from K-Club members following the event was extremely positive, with everyone in attendance looking forward to the next opportunity to explore the topics further as a group.
Our next K-Club event, the Summer Social, promises an enjoyable experience. Scheduled for Thursday, 4th July in Manchester, it features a 'behind the scenes' tour of the historic John Rylands Library from 4.15pm to 6pm, followed by a private dining event at St James's Club, from 6pm to 8.30pm. The event is open to both members and non-members and we look forward to seeing you there for an evening of networking and relaxation.
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