I often get asked about the requirements of a good change agent when implementing business improvement techniques such as Lean. Eight arms (or legs) would be useful but they aren't a prerequisite. But some other characteristics of an octupus would be useful:
- Intelligence - the octupus is the most intelligent of all vertebrates and the ability to analyse potential using data for a change agent is essential - if the change agent does not know the end point the group will be left floundering
- Colour changing - well, the ability to tailor a message depending on your audience anyway - being able to converse with shop floor and management alike
- Adaptability - Octupuses can swim with either their arms or by using jet propulsion or I guess by grabbing onto a passing boat. Sometimes the unconventional route is the one that gets you there!
- Skilled hunter - some Octupuses have been known to eat small shark - sometimes a tenacious attitude is needed to bring the more obtuse members of management to heel and embarass them into action
- Ability to 'hide' - Octupii squirt black ink to fool a pursuer - I'm not suggesting a change agent should do that but time management is an essential quality. If a change agent gets pulled in all directions then nothing will be achieved
- Empathy - Octupii have three hearts and sometimes a change agent needs to bite their tongue and offer unconditional help and coaching to a trainee to improve. A quick temper has no place in this role.
So next time you're looking for a change agent look under the nearest rock - the best candidate may well be there....
