Rock Around the Block - The Blog of Rock LaManna

“What is a Change Agent?” Who Cares?

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Printing owners never ask, “What is a change agent?” They don’t ask about change agents, or change in general, because they don’t care. 

No one wants to talk about change.  And who can blame them?  Change sucks, if you want me to get right to it.  It’s a big pain in the butt for every member of the organization.

That’s why I am absolutely, 100% opposed to the notion of change agents.

I will never write a post about why change is good, or change is necessary, or any of that stuff.  (Okay, maybe I slipped one or two out in the past, but that’s before I knew better.)

I think the only reason people would ask “What is a change agent?” is because they want to run the other way if they see one.

So let’s not talk about change. Let’s talk about something else. 

Why Building Beats Changing

Instead of changing, let’s use a word I like a whole lot better:  Building.

Look at the process of building a bridge.  It’s not just a structure we’re building.  We’re also building the means for a greater influx of goods and people and ideas.  We’re building a way for people to engage easier and faster.  That’s great news.

When you talk about change, people get nervous.  When you talk about building, you get excited.

So if you want to improve your printing business and your organization, don’t position yourself as a change agent.  Position yourself as a builder.  Talk about how you’re going to build on the strengths of your organization, and create something new and exciting.

So instead of wondering, “What is a change agent?” you should ask, “What can we build today?”

I guarantee you’re going to get a much better answer.

(Photo by davemc500hats)

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