Who doesn’t? Before and After photos are so…. tangible. However, the hard work of metamorphosis is unseen as, often, only the before and after is revealed.
Whether it’s pics from a before and after room makeover, teeth whitener, grout cleaner, or physical body makeovers, they’re often remarkable, at best, inspirational. However, I’m equally curious about what it took to achieve the “after.” Being one who thrives on sense of accomplishment, I love painting, yard work, and cleaning – weird huh? I think it’s because there is immediate gratification, a tangible before/after and sweat equity involved. I like tennis because we keep score, it’s physical and there is a beginning and an end. I like fishing because I’m on the water and I, literally, catch fish (and usually let them go). All have clear before/afters with tangible outcomes.
However, the hard work of inner change is slower, more contemplative and usually less tangible… at least to others. This contrast is striking to me and I need both in my life – like ying and yang.
Sometimes, as with products, there is an immediate “after” (e.g., before/after pics of shower grout associated with a product). Sometimes, the transformation takes longer (weight loss) or it’s not as visible (mental health or team/organizational culture). These types of transformations require belief and commitment that committing to a proper process will achieve the desired outcome. They need a strong “why” to persevere.
For example, I don’t expect to lose 5 pounds or have my cardiorespiratory system improved after a single bout of exercise. However, if I focus on repeating the “behavior” of walking and increase the amount of time, intensity, or frequency of walking, I believe that I will achieve the desired outcome (all else being equal). It’s tempting to give up when the physical results aren’t immediate enough. However, the mental health benefits often are more immediate; that, as much as my “why?” help me stay compliant. But I digress. Back to my point about before/after.
The hard work of personal, team and organizational transformation is not immediate and may not result in a visible or even tangible “after”. The “after” is often more nuanced or take months or even years to achieve them. That so, they’re still remarkable.
For example, let’s say a team wants to improve culture and relationships. There is not a single teambuilding event that will do that. The pre/post picture of the team before and after the ice cream social or conference will likely look about the same.
And, while they’re nice, grand gestures seldom change team culture. Culture change is a process and way of being together… applied consistently over time. It’s opening weekly meetings with personal check ins; it’s being curious about your teammates and leaning into their strengths and vulnerabilities; it’s saying, “how may I support you? (and meaning it); it’s saying, “how are you today – really?; it’s sharing, “I could use some help with this” without fear of being judged; It’s building and preserving trust. It’s committing to a team “why?”
In a world where marketers appeal to consumers who want immediate, certain and easy results, convincing consumers (managers, team leaders, HR, CEOs) to pursue the hard work of transformation requires a compelling “why.” Because, when it comes to improving team culture and building relationships, there is no silver bullet; results are not immediate, certain or easy, but it’s not rocket science either.
When there is a compelling why and steadfast commitment to the process, in time, maybe a culture survey will reveal a change in a related KPI; maybe not. One of my favorite culture metrics is “how do your employees feel on Sunday night?” If you’d like to see this metric improve for your team, I’d love to work with you!
Before closing, below is my newfound and all time favorite Before/After; I became a grandmother on July 8; I have a new and compelling “why.” While the “after” is adorable, what you don’t see is the nine months of pregnancy, the hormone changes, fatigue, anxiety and the sheer physical, mental, emotional and spiritual roller coaster that is pregnancy, labor, delivery and nursing. My daughter and her husband walked in faith through the ups and downs of their shared journey. They had a compelling “why” and knew that if they did the right things throughout the process, that the outcome would be remarkable. And it sure is!
Scroll down for the After 🙂
BEFORE:
AFTER (scroll down)
