Chill out and sit down; nothing’s gonna change around here anyway

Years ago, I was facilitating a training session for a large company. The aim was to develop new business ideas around service transformation.

A young and enthusiastic participant, full of questions and curiosity, sat in the front row. They boldly challenged the status quo and threw themselves into the process. From the back row, a dry remark was heard: “Come on back here and grab a coffee; nothing’s going to change around here anyway.”

For me, that comment from the back encapsulated a problem that plagues many companies. There’s no courage to renew or question old ways of working when a stagnant culture takes over, which leads to missed opportunities for growth and development. Productivity doesn't increase, nor do employees feel engaged – and recent statistics show that both are widespread challenges.

The adoption of technology, such as AI, isn’t a solution in itself. Too often, companies layer new technology onto old processes, expecting a miracle. But without the courage to question existing models, nothing truly changes. This requires leadership.

How many growth opportunities have been missed because leaders lacked the courage to challenge their own thinking and the boldness to move forward?

Not long ago, the buzzword “startup culture” was on everyone’s lips. Innovation hubs were enthusiastically established, and leaders flocked to events like Slush to seek inspiration and energy. But how many of the promising beginnings withered away? Organizational hurdles blocked the way, drowning initial enthusiasm in bureaucracy. Outsourced enthusiasm doesn’t generate growth. It requires a leader to recognize and nurture new energy, not just subcontract it. It demands the courage to fail and to invest in the process personally.

The keys to change are simple.

A leader is willing to change themselves. Instead of hiding in their comfort zone, they challenge themselves, continuously learn, and make decisions. They don’t just direct others but also keep their own hands dirty, ensuring a genuine understanding of what’s being done and how it can be developed. This kind of energy and enthusiasm is contagious.

A leader dares to invest in growth and put their best players in the front row. Growth isn’t just about speeches and hype – a good change leader identifies the organization's key players and growth potentials. They ensure these individuals are placed on critical projects, even if it means leaving other tasks undone. They dare to let others grow and don’t fear for their own position. The flames of renewal aren’t extinguished – they are allowed to ignite the entire organization.

A leader’s strong vision is paired with disciplined execution. A change leader doesn’t stop at the first setbacks but, together with the employees, pushes through them step by step, with persistence and determination – in other words, grit. Growth doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of steady, systematic work with the goal in sharp focus. Together, they turn the vision of the company’s future into tangible steps.

It’s really quite simple, but still, so many choose the safety of the back row and mediocre coffee.