A630.1.4.RB - Board of Directors

In my experience, it is possible for an organization to become stagnant and not allow change from the power and authority of a few individuals in that organization. 

In my current organization, I was leading the #1 performing team in the building in regards to productivity, and our department was ranked #3 in the entire pyramid of distribution centers for Target. One of my team members came up with an idea to increase productivity even more in our department, enough so to take us to the #1 spot in a few months. The idea was a strong one, however, it would require everyone on our team to work a little bit harder and work outside of their comfort zones for these few months in order for us to gain the top spot. After communicating the idea to the team, everyone was on board except for 2 individuals who seemed very negative about the change because they wanted our routine to stay the same, and because they were not willing to put in the extra work needed to increase productivity. After talking with them one-on-one about the new initiative, I found out that they did not care enough about the organization or the rest of the team to work harder. Not only that, they thought that even if they worked harder the goal was still unattainable. This disappointed the rest of the team, but they eventually talked the 2 individuals into adopting the new initiative, despite the chance of failure. Productivity increased throughout those 6 weeks, but not enough to take the #1 spot from the other building. On a positive note, this idea was beneficial because it enabled the team to work together toward a common goal and test themselves and their abilities in their roles. They had fun with it and were proud of the work they accomplished. They changed a process for the betterment of the organization and team, and that process is still in effect today. 

I think that it is common, but not necessary, for an organization to have its power players, visionaries, and pessimists. I think an organization will always have them, but ultimately good employees are attracted to those that lead effectively, create good ideas for the betterment of the team, and communicate those ideas to the team in a way that keeps them engaged and interested. I have worked with both positive and negative employees in regard to organizational change, and I enjoy the challenges and brain power involved with this change.