Design Principle 12: Creatively Use and Respond to Change
You know the saying: The only certainty in life is death and taxes or perhaps more accurately The only certainty is uncertainty. As humans, we are wired to seek and create certainty, or at least the appearance of certainty. Too much certainty, however, can lead to stagnation or complacency, both in business and our personal lives, setting us up for a bumpy ride when challenges appear.
The Design Principle Creatively Use and Respond to Change reminds us that change also brings opportunities, and that intentionally looking for the opportunities helps us to move beyond blame, regret, or staying stuck in the past.
Businesses and organisations also need the capacity to respond to change – whether in supply chains, staffing, income levels, natural disasters, regulations and policy, or international politics and tariffs (pandemic swivel anyone?).
Here are five ways your business or organisation could apply the design principle Creatively Use and Respond to Change:
- The rise of AI – Among the threats of job losses, or disappearing industries, there are opportunities to streamline or automate routine tasks, and free up time and energy to devote to creative and strategic thinking. Look beyond the dross of inaccurate and poor quality information being generated (not to mention the issue of unauthorised use of intellectual and creative property), and learn to use AI as a powerful tool within your business.*
- Draw on the strengths of your team to generate new ideas and opportunities. Acknowledge that uncertainty and change makes us uncomfortable, then create an environment of collaboration rather than competition, where contributions are welcome from every level, and all ideas are on the table.
- Anticipate interruptions to supply chains and plan to diversify your sources of inputs. Just as diverse ecological systems are stronger than simple food chains, ensuring multiple potential suppliers will help to ride out any bumps, no matter the cause. Ideally, some of your suppliers will be local, which has the added benefit of supporting smaller businesses and the local economy.
- Similarly, plan how you can diversify your customer and product base. Sudden border closures, tariffs, changes in technology, or increased competition can all change trading conditions overnight. Having diverse customers and product offerings helps to smooth out the interruptions and buys time to respond in creative ways. Think of the cafes and restaurants that moved to providing take-home meals during the pandemic.
- Finally, accept that change and uncertainty are part of life and doing business. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made, and a business may restructure or close entirely, creating stress for everyone affected. Take time to experience the feelings of loss, anger, fear and grief, then take a deep breath and look for the opportunities. Perhaps a return to study, a change in career, a new business, or travel adventures are on the horizon. This is not a “silver lining” or trivialising of the experience, but an intentional moving forward into a new phase of activity.
*No AI was used to write this article!