Implementing Change is Like Running the Gauntlet
by Mark Arnold
If you’ve ever tried implementing change at your credit union or bank, you know how difficult it can be. In fact, it is a lot like Running the Gauntlet, the title of Jeffrey Hayzlett’s recent book. Hayzlett is a global business celebrity and former Fortune 1000 c-suite executive. You may recognize the name from his appearance on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump.
Many things need to change within our financial institutions. If you are an executive, manager, employee or board member driving change, thenRunning the Gauntlet is an excellent read. Hayzlett’s writing style is charming and folksy, yet the content contains nuggets of information. The
book’s subtitle is “Essential Business Lessons to Lead, Drive Change and Grow Profits.” Running the Gauntlet delivers just what that subtitle offers.
Below are some of the key points Hayzlett makes and how we can apply them.
(1) Change in business works best when it is both tough and thoughtful. Hayzlett argues that your business should always be doing some type of change. He says, “Small or big business is bad only if you are not changing and thinking big to grow bigger.” But don’t change just to change. His point is that you need to think through what you want to change.
- Application: Make a list of things you think need changing within your credit union or bank. Then discuss those items at your next meeting. See if others agree. If they don’t, then have a spirited discussion around the question, “What do we need to change around here?”
