Sometimes it’s right to change your approach, even if you’ve done it the same way for ten years.We shouldn’t always assume that what used to work will still be the best.

It’s a challenge, of course. You could also be flip-flopping around trying new things every week, confusing the heck out of your employees and customers. So what’s the right balance?

There’s no simple formula that I’ve found, but the key principle is simple: be thoughtful. You want to think through:

  • What exactly is the change I’m thinking of making?
  • Who will it affect?
  • How will it make their lives better?
  • How will it make MY life better?
  • What are the costs and risks involved?

If you’re changing something simple and there’s little cost and risk, great. But don’t disregard that people fall into momentum and are comfortable with “the way it’s always been done.” Sometimes there’s a learning and comfort curve involved for others.

Remember, too, that (by definition) you’re ahead of others on this change. You might have been thinking about it for weeks or months, but it may be a total surprise for others. So give them the time and support to adapt.