Development or Change? About a difference that makes one

Not only since I have been working with schools and other organizations on development, but also when I was still active in them, I have always encountered the narrative that „development is not possible for us“. They tell me: „We are not yet at a point where we can develop.“

Change does occur because it is unavoidable, especially since it always comes from the outside: markets change and new ones emerge. Technologies change and new ones emerge. Demography changes, the shortage of skilled workers increases – change everywhere that affects organizations.

And the more change there is, the less development within the organization. Experts then talk about being overwhelmed.

Something is always missing to get started. So, conditions are requested that are missing for the organization to develop. Ironically, what is most desired is a pause in change.

However, development itself is what helps and enables positive handling of change. To co-design it. To keep up with it, rather than lagging behind.

Development makes it possible to connect with changes – speaking of the organization, not of individuals who nowadays are constantly being asked to develop, while organizations remain static.

I argue: There is a purpose behind this. By continuously focusing on the development of people and their support or promotion, there is no need to worry about the development of the organization:

„Teachers should change, not school.“

On the other hand we know that development begins where we no longer focus on behavior but on circumstances. That’s when development starts.

If you need a development assistant – let me know 🙂