How to Fail at Change Management

Chapter 7

Grasping at “Big” Straws

Double Down on What Used to Work

Imagine a sailing ship company faced within increasing steam ship competition in the late 19th century. What steps should the company take to succeed? One solution would be to adopt the advanced steam technology and use it to increase speed and reliability of ships crossing the seven seas. Another approach would be to conduct additional research and invest in tooling to improve sails, sail placement, and hull shapes to ramp up the speed of ocean-going sailing ships. It is obvious in hindsight that the sailing-ship advancement strategy would be doomed to failure considering available new technology. While this may be true, the “doubling down on what used to work” strategy remains ...