Comments on: Speed vs. Momentum in Organizational Change

By: itorganization2017

itorganization2017 — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:01:45 +0000

You are correct, Dorothy – the importance of momentum applies to any kind of change. In fact, I’d say it applies even more to social and cultural change such as you are trying to achieve. The Road to Riches program looks fascinating and extremely valuable – thanks for being involved in improving the school systems! Hard to think of a more important or worthy cause!

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:02:36 +0000

Thanks, Vaughan. I can only assume this applies equally to changing a cultural structure, such as the school systems. Road to Riches has designed programs for high school students to experience entrepreneurship, and thereby empower themselves to be responsible for their financial well being. I see this taking off for the benefit of all students in all schools – producing momentum in changing the effectives of schools in educating children!

See our video at: http://www.dorothysuter.typepad.com/roadtorichesprogramscom/

By: itorganization2017

itorganization2017 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:32:24 +0000

Ed, I don’t think you are over thinking it at all! You make an important point – I think Joseph Juran was one of the first to argue the distinctions between “control” and “breakthrough” and the different organizational/management implications of each. My comments on the importance of momentum over speed apply to fairly large scale, broad-based transformational changes, where a shift in established norms and behaviors (culture) is needed.

By: Ed Goldman

Ed Goldman — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:43:17 +0000

I agree with the lesson (I am a Mechanical Engineer by training). However, don’t forget that both are necessary at times. Momentum (as used in companies) is the best reason to keep with something, even when it no longer makes sense (think Betamax, financial derivatives or any project that would not die at a given company you have worked at in the past). A change in direction (where most people use the incorrect verb “speed”) is necessary for the capability to stop doing what no longer works (I think a necessary item for all companies to learn).

Organizations are designed to produce results, so momentum is necessary to deliver those results and help organizations. But not paying attention and listening to those “little things” you mentioned can (and often does) produce momentum too big to change when necessary.

Or maybe I am just over-thinking this….