On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being absolutely, how comfortable are you with change?
So many of us fall somewhere in the middle, but it really does depend on the circumstances. Sometimes, change can be really simple and other times, it can cause stress and/or anxious thoughts. Change, though it is inevitable, is often met with fear and resistance. This is especially true in supply chain management with all of the complexities that come in this industry.
We hear pretty consistently from those in supply chain that if it isn’t broken, why fix it?
While this may be an unpopular opinion at times, I’d say that if it isn’t broken AND you aren’t looking to make it even better, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity…
Why we fear change
Change can be downright intimidating.
Despite its potential for growth and opportunity, change often triggers a deep-rooted fear within us due to our innate tendency to seek stability and familiarity. Over 30% of Americans fear the unknown. Our brains are wired to resist change as a survival mechanism. For some, this comes in the form of job security, others financial wellness, and for some it could be a need for validation.
I want you to think about your current day-to-day life for a moment. If you had to audit it, I bet you could find at least four areas where you could adjust and make your day more efficient–whether that is in time management, commuting, quality time with friends and family, etc.
What is holding you back from making those changes?
Sticking to your routine, the same strategies, is safe; it’s comfortable. However, when you adapt to change, you grow and adapt to the landscapes around you that are constantly shifting and evolving like technology, customer preferences, and market trends.
What you’ll miss
If you can’t adapt, you won’t stay relevant and your competitors will run you right out of your place.
Technology
Always evolving, always changing. Technology is constantly getting better and there are always going to be new technologies coming into focus. While you won’t need to be an expert at them all, you do need to have some form of technological growth in your roadmap. It’s important here to remember that not all tech is created equal so aligning your tech and partnership with your goals is increasingly more important.
Customer preferences
We all want to say that we are driving our business forward, but it’s really your customers that help drive momentum. You aren’t adjusting your product to fit every customers’ needs but there’s a trend happening that your customers want and look to you to provide. One big one these days is around doing better for the environment. Over 60% of consumers want to purchase from a brand that prioritizes the environment and can prove it. There are so many ways to make greener choices in your supply chain yet making the “change” to do it is daunting. It doesn’t have to be…
Market trends
Again with the word “trend”. Trends come and go. The market fluctuates. What stays is your brand and your mission behind your brand. If you can make changes internally and externally that adhere to what the market and consumers are looking for while staying true to your mission and brand values, you’re winning. And there are ways to do this that put your ROI in a positive position.
Change is inevitable
Let’s flip the script. Change is inevitable so rather than letting it hold you back, why not embrace it?
Do you have any fears about change in your current supply chain? Is cost holding you back? Or maybe it’s the time you think it will take? Maybe it’s a fear of implementing something that ends up being a failure?
Just remember that change is natural and it will happen regardless. Rather than be a passive bystander, be the changemaker that brings a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly process to your business.
To learn more about positive change in your supply chain that can save you money and help you reach your ESG goals, schedule a call. Together, with reusable packaging, we can deliver a world without waste.
