Too often, I see people in organisations compromising the ideal future state, based on their perceptions of limitations in the current state.
They will start with a brave and bold vision that has the potential to make a real impact. But as the conversation progresses, the weight of current challenges – budget cuts, cultural norms, or outdated systems – begins to shape their thinking.
Then come the familiar phrases: “we can’t do that”, “it’s not realistic”, or my favourite “we’ve tried that before, and it didn’t work”.
It’s not to say the challenges aren’t real – sometimes a constraint really is a constraint. But I’ve seen too many people assume a challenge is a constraint, when it could be overcome. Or they accept a perceived limitation without ever questioning it.
The more people talk, the smaller the vision becomes. And as the vision shrinks, so does the opportunity to improve services, meet customer needs, and deliver real impact.
And as a senior leader, you may never even realise a bolder, better vision was on the table – one you could have made possible. Because that’s your job right? To remove barriers and drive meaningful change.
Challenge yourself with these questions:
- Have I created a culture that encourages innovation and thinking beyond current constraints?
- Have I made it clear my role is to remove obstacles and empower people to make change?
- Do I lead by example, asking “how could we make this work?”
You need to create a culture that’s safe for people to suggest bold ideas. You need to actively clear obstacles, and show through your actions that challenges are meant to be tackled.
And if you’re involved in shaping a change, don’t just accept those limitations. Ask the questions. Challenge assumptions. Be courageous.
So next time someone says, “we can’t do that” or you catch yourself thinking it, ask instead: “What would it take to make it possible?”.
***********************
Sign up to our newsletter to receive more insights, freebies and news, to support you in the success of your change.
Because how you make change matters. It matters to your people, it matters to your customers, and it matters to your bottom line.
And it matters to us at ChangeEffect.
©2025 CHANGEEFFECT PTY LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
