The Subtle Art of Major Change: Why Small Increments Make a Big Difference

If we understand the psychology behind change, we will see that small steps every day are a more efficient and successful path to change than large 'shoot-for-the-moon-missions'.

Introduction

I recently finished a six-month piece of change for a company, and in the ‘thank you’ email, the CIO said the following :

small shifts are sometimes how we get to achieve great things

This got me thinking,

In the bustling world of business transformation, it's tempting to chase the allure of dramatic, sweeping reforms to shake up a company's trajectory. But what if the true key to enduring advancement lies in the less dramatic, more measured approach? What if the most profound changes unfold not from grand overhauls but through the quiet power of small, steady actions?

The journey toward transformational change is often less about the leap and more about the steps along the way.

Investing in the Psychology of Incremental Change

When it comes to change, it's natural for people to feel unsettled. Big changes can cause big waves, making it tough for individuals to stay afloat. However, when we lean into the psychology of incremental change, we're tapping into something deeply resonant with the human spirit.

Small steps are like the unstructured time I often advocate for within teams—they're investments in growth and connection. Just as a team bonds over a shared meal or an impromptu celebration, so too does it come together when faced with manageable, bite-sized changes. These are the emotional decisions that forge strong links—decisions that say, "We can adapt and grow, together, one step at a time." And it's in setting these smaller, attainable goals that we find our shared purpose and keep the fire of motivation burning brightly.

The Emotional Decisions Behind Successful Incremental Change

The stories that stick with us—those of companies who have quietly but profoundly changed their course—are rooted in the emotional decisions of leaders who understood the power of incrementalism. A retailer that chose to focus on the details of customer service, a tech firm that embraced constant, small product tweaks—these weren't just strategic moves, they were commitments to a shared vision of gradual, but relentless progress.

Like the team that emerges from an evening social with a stronger bond, these companies have shown that the accumulation of small, purpose-driven changes can fundamentally redefine an organization's identity and success. They've turned the small into the mighty and, in doing so, have revalidated each other's commitment to the collective journey.

“In a high-performing team, performance is not just about the collective achievement, but also about the shared learning.” - Peter Senge

Addressing Leadership Concerns with Emotional Intelligence

"A leader's emotional impact can profoundly affect an organization's direction and outcomes. Leaders must learn to handle their emotions with self-awareness and harness them to empower and inspire their teams." - John Maxwell

As leaders, we may grapple with the notion that incremental change might not be swift or bold enough to keep pace with the market. Yet, just as we see the value in unstructured time for team building, we must see the value in nurturing our organization's growth with the same care and attention.

Overcoming the worries about the pace of change is akin to the concerns a leader might have about seemingly unproductive team socials. But just as those socials can lead to a surge in team performance, so too can a series of well-planned, small changes lead to significant organizational transformation. It's about trusting in the process, measuring the meaningful, and celebrating each step forward.

All transformations have detractors. At the leadership level this can be people who are disempowered by the power of the change.

Typically change is about the future, and leaders who operate the present can see this as ineffective. Coaching is about preparing the future, not delivering the present. This can create tension.

The key is to disempower the detractors not the change agents.

A Reflection on Incremental Change as a Path to Organizational Bonding

Here are a few takeaways that I invite you to mull over, just as you would the memories of a great team outing:

1. The Sustainability of Emotional Investment:

Just as investing in team relationships pays off, so does the investment in incremental organizational changes. They're both about sustaining growth and connection over time.

2. Validation through Progress:

Celebrating small victories is validating, both for individuals and organizations. It's an acknowledgment of worth and a reinforcement of our shared path to success.

3. Emotional Decisions at the Helm:

Leaders must embrace the emotional aspects of decision-making, recognizing that the heart of change is deeply human, and requires care, patience, and understanding.

The Essential Questions for Ongoing Organizational Connection

To foster a climate of continuous improvement, consider these reflective questions, much like you would when planning your next team-building event:

1. What small step can we take as an organization that will help us grow closer to our ultimate goal?

2. How can we set up emotional and practical signposts to celebrate our journey of incremental change?

3. In what ways can we ensure that each member of our organization feels a part of the change, validating their role in our collective progress?

A Call to Action for Leaders: Foster Your Organizational Growth through the Power of Small

Just as unstructured time is a vital component of team building, so is the commitment to small, consistent steps a crucial element of organizational transformation. I challenge you, as leaders, to initiate a small change within your company. Watch how it unfolds, measure its impact, and celebrate its success with your team.

Remember, it's the accumulation of small acts, the quiet moments of connection, and the steady pace of progress that truly transform. Just as we invest in our teams, let's invest in our organization's journey—one small, emotionally intelligent step at a time.

Start small, think big, and watch your organization transform.