Can the tail wag the dog?

There is one big constant today - it's change. Fast change is in direct conflict with human nature - we are all used to develop habits based on experiences we make. If things change slowly, then this works well. If things change fast, then this is much more difficult. If huge changes or paradigm shifts happen, then we are truly challenged - we must unlearn and relearn and this takes time.

Big organizations share this pattern - they also have issues to adapt fast to changes in the environment. Often companies are still in party mood when the change has already progressed substantially. 

I think there are two reasons for this: 

• Many companies drive forward by using the back mirror - they look back and imply that things which went well will go well again. It takes some time until the changes are also visible when looking backwards - typically then when things are already bad.
• Many companies tend to compare their situation with their peers - which are often in the same situation still wanting to impress each other.

The challenging situation is often not understood by the head - but there may be an uneasy feeling. The dog stops wagging its tail .... making it clear that something needs attention. 

In some way, the tail starts to wag the dog. It takes time and this is increasingly problematic in a time of fast change.

Where does the uneasy feeling come from? Typically from those how have special expertise and experience. Typically from those who are exposed to continuous change.