Journey of Transformation

“Are we there yet?”

Whether you are a parent with a backseat chorus of kids reminding you how long the journey is or an Executive in the middle of upheaval prompted by organizational change, you will have heard these words, likely more than once, resonating loudly from the willing and not so willing passengers on your journey.

Do you know the difference between change and transformation?  Change occurs with incremental differences towards a known destination. Transformation is an ongoing change with no final destination – a journey.  Change makes a better mousetrap. Transformation uses that mousetrap for something completely different than originally intended.

What ... No Roadmap?

Depending on your perspective, the idea of transformation can either be a nightmare of unknowns or a dream of possibilities. To help demystify the process, parallels can be drawn between individual transformation journeys and organizational transformation journeys

If we use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an example of a simple framework for human transformation, it is possible to visualize an individual’s transformation journey from meeting their basic needs to self-actualized fulfillment. 

In a similar way, organizations can also transform as they move from basic “start-up” offerings to self-actualized adaptability in order to meet the ever- evolving customer demands.

Start the Engines!

So how does the journey actually begin? I’d like to use my own family’s transformation story as an example for individual transformation which can be used in parallel to business transformation.

Step 1: Break a cycle

My parents were what I term “cycle breakers” from their families of origin. Both of them chose to create a very different life from what they individually grew up with. Together, they launched a “start-up” for their lives to ensure a new, better, thriving existence for themselves and their offspring. 

Step 2: Put infrastructure in place

They intentionally decided to put infrastructures in place to ensure unshakable stability on the home front, despite a very dynamic, transient military lifestyle.  As a child, I don’t ever recall lacking any basic needs of food, water, shelter, safety and security.  They even went a few levels higher to intentionally impart a strong sense of love and belonging in our small family unit of four and injected a healthy dose of self-esteem into my sister and I through their ongoing encouragement and support of our endeavors.

Step 3: Internally align

I, as the first generation removed from the cycle breakers, began my transformation journey at the self-esteem level because all the previous levels were consistently well taken care of. The focus of my journey was freed up to be one of internal alignment and authenticity to who I was created to be and to discovering my place and offering to this world.

Step 4:  Provide an offering to the world

I recently asked my adult son where he thought his journey started, without a moment’s hesitation he said “personal contentment”, the epitome of self-actualization.  This young man is “Zen” in his approach to life. His basic and psychological needs were consistently met and he focused his efforts on achieving his full potential, creative and otherwise, to benefit the world at large. Well done Mom and Dad. His comment is a beautiful culmination of the life transformation journey started by my cycle breaking parents. 

Transformation ... The Journey is the Destination

Let’s be clear – The Journey of Transformation is not for the faint of heart.  Whether you seek it out individually or within your business – it takes great bravery, fortitude, tenacity, patience and optimism.  In my family’s case,  it took three generations to get there, with a lot of ups and downs. My parents life “start-up” transformed their lineage into a brand new reality – vastly different from where they started their journey – vastly surprising where they ended up.  They essentially took their life and did something completely different with it. And the generations that follow them have benefited from their choices.

Such is the way of many business transformations. It often starts because it needs to. The cycle of “business as usual” needs to be broken. It has many ups and downs throughout the journey. It requires the right infrastructure and culture to succeed. It takes a long time to get there. And the end result is often something completely different to where it started. Hopefully, it is beneficial to both employees and customers.

So why go there?

Simply put, transformation is survival. 

You have to look no further than the animal kingdom to surmise that adaptation is life. The better equipped you are to do it, the farther you will travel.

So buckle up folks!  Enjoy the view, take pictures and bring back some great stories.  This much I know for sure... you are in for the ride of your lives! 

And if you are ever in need of a "travel agent" to help guide the way for your journey, don't hesitate to connect with me ... I have had a few great adventures I can share with you and a few cautionary tales from my lessons learned along the way. Bon Voyage!