HR and Strategy Director at NCH Asia Pacific

I-Chuan Chang

Change is the only thing that remains constant in the ever-evolving business environment. During my business trip this month, I had the pleasure of reading ‘The Infinite Game’ by Simon Sinek. The book's basic and profound concept is that success is not measured by short-term gains but by the long-lasting impact we create. This perspective encourages organizations to focus on building a strong cultural foundation and embracing change as an integral part of the corporate journey. In my previous consulting experience, we supported business leaders to manage challenging trade-off between short-term incentives and long-lasting discipline for continued success. Simon's book adequately addresses this phenomena, as many leaders tend to prioritize short-term wins and unintentionally worsen problems rather than aligning with a long-lasting mission.

First thing first, ‘Change as a Constant.’ In the dynamic landscape of business, change is not a sudden event; it is a continuous process that occurs every day at a relentless pace. Successful organizations understand that embracing change is not just a survival strategy but an opportunity for growth. By fostering a culture that embraces change, companies can empower their associates to be agile, innovative, and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

However, change management is not without its challenges. Years ago, we initiated various avenues to encourage our associates to speak up, such as associate engagement survey, suggestion box, and listening tours to engage with as many associates as possible. Gaining trust that feedback is anonymous and that there will be no retaliation against those who speak up took time. Despite implementing these actions and interventions, we still observed some deep-rooted reluctance and ‘silo effect’ in embracing an open and transparent work environment. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our APAC management team and their continuous efforts, our associates gradually open up to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. This positive atmosphere has taken years to cultivate, and we are dedicated to maintaining it, as our associates shape the foundation of our company's future, ensuring a workplace where everyone's potential can be fully realized.

"Cultivating a culture that emphasizes integrity, collaboration, and ethical practices allows companies to embrace change with a shared vision of long-term accomplishment"

Another obstacle lies in conflicting priorities within the organization. For instance, we faced a dilemma regarding an incentive policy that rewards the sales person for collecting late payments. While this practice might yield short-term financial gains, it undermines the foundation of a healthy organizational culture. One of sales leaders tried to justify this practice by quoting ‘existence must be its reason.’ However, our APAC president remained firm in promoting the right behavior, refusing to compromise with short-term incentives that could demotivate other sales teams. Instead of waiting to this special incentive timeframe to get extra bonus, the focus shifted to instilling discipline to form expected behavior and facilitate a culture where everyone can thrive.

To build a lasting foundation for success, organizations must prioritize culture as a guiding force. Culture is not a temporary trend but an enduring element that shapes how we work and interact. Cultivating a culture that emphasizes integrity, collaboration, and ethical practices allows companies to embrace change with a shared vision of long-term accomplishment. Mission, vision, and core values should be reviewed and revised once necessary, especially during transitions from one business curve to another. Fortunately, our leaders have been aware the importance of aligning our vision and core values to better fit our business focus, promoting the values our associates embrace and demonstrate in their daily work and life.

Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of change and sustaining a lasting foundation. Leaders who prioritize the long-term vision over short-term gains create an environment where change is not feared but embraced as an opportunity for growth. By setting an example through their actions, our leaders inspire and motivate the associates to embrace change, learn from failures, and adapt to new realities.

Change is inevitable and challenging most of the time, but organizations can navigate the ever-evolving business landscape with purpose and resilience. Embracing the concept of the infinite game, balancing long-lasting impact with immediate outcomes, companies can establish a strong and enduring foundation for sustainable success. By prioritizing the right behavior, fostering a robust culture, and empowering our leaders and associates, we are confident that our company can continue to thrive in the waves of turbulence, transform challenges into opportunities, and prosper in this infinite business environment!