What got you here won't get you there!

I strongly believe that what got you here won't get you there.

Especially when we talk about change and transformation, simply put, what got us here won’t be enough to get us there.

It’s a common scene across organizations. We often think that sticking to our guns, doing what we’ve always done, and ticking off the right projects will magically set us up for future success. 

But, let’s be real, that’s more about crossing our fingers and hoping for the best rather than a solid strategy.

1- The Reality Check on Past Achievements

We’ve all been part of this amazing journey, hitting our targets and wrapping up projects with a bow. It’s been great, but let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that just because we’ve been successful in the past, we’ll automatically nail whatever comes next with the same playbook.

This is the trap of the “good enough syndrome.” It’s like saying, "I’ve run a 5K, so a marathon shouldn’t be that different, right?" But we all know it doesn’t work like that. Moving up in the game, whether in sports or business, means stepping up our game in every way.

Why, then, do we spend so much time crafting these grand strategies only to fall back into the same old execution habits? It’s a question worth pondering.

2- The Trap of False Validation

We’ve all been in those meetings, nodding along to the consultants or experts saying, “This resonates,” or “We’ve done something like this before.” It’s easy to fall into the comfort zone of thinking we’re on the right track because it sounds familiar and reassuring.

But let’s call this what it is: an “intellectually entertaining” exercise. It feels good, it sounds good, but it might just be leading us astray, making us think we’re moving forward when we’re just treading water. It’s the difference between taking a painkiller for a headache and doing the hard work of fixing our posture.

3- The “Let’s Try This Ourselves First” Approach

How often have we seen a report or listened to an expert advice, only to cherry-pick what feels doable and ignore the rest? It’s human nature to go for the low-hanging fruit, but when did “giving it a go” become a substitute for real, impactful action?

Saying we’re empowering our team by letting them “try” without the proper support, training, or even the time they need isn’t empowerment at all. It’s like expecting someone to cook a gourmet meal just because they’ve watched a cooking show.

I might be sounding a bit doom and gloom here, and I hope I’m wrong. But this is the reality for too many leaders and organizations, and it’s coming from a place of genuine concern and care.

We’re at a crossroads, and it’s time for a bit of discomfort. That’s where the growth happens, in those honest, empathetic, and transparent conversations that push us beyond what we thought possible.

Let’s not be satisfied with where we are. Let’s push for where we can go, shaping a future that’s not just a repeat of the past but something truly new and exciting.

Here’s to moving forward

Till next week

Jess “Forward” Tayel