Change: Friend or Foe?

In the course of my work I often spend hours upon hours doing research on various topics for discussion. My focus is usually on analyzing those organizations and persons that have made an impact in the world. I figure it's a good place to start when trying to find the secrets to success and leadership. In one such research endeavor, I came quite unexpectedly on a Japanese term and definition which struck a chord in me. The term is "kaizen". Literally Kaizen means: change (kai) to become good (zen), but it is largely recognized as a life philosophy for continual improvement.

Change is often considered an obstacle

The connection for me was easy, as one of my challenges in leadership training is to address the issue of change as an obstacle personally and professionally. Change is one of the things that we as social creatures seem conditioned to repel at every instance. It is often met with skepticism, anger and often a lack of enthusiasm. Even with these responses change refuses to go away, and it is something that every business and leader must go through to remain competitive.

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