03.19.2024 Ryan Humphreys
“When the wind of change blows some build walls, others build windmills”
Recently, I watched a program about unusual hotels of the world. This episode focused on Cley Windmill in the UK, where it showed how guests sleep surrounded by the mechanical workings of the early 19th century mill. It showed how the mill used a rotating vane to drive the top of the windmill round, adapting to the winds as they change.
Maybe I’ve been hidden under a rock for years, but I had no idea that traditional mills had the capability that modern wind turbines have today.As Tribal comes up to its 9th birthday, I've reflected on the last twelve months and ‘change’ is the word that constantly comes to mind. Feeling it, driving it and most importantly adapting to it.
Time For Change
Recognising that we had fallen into a cycle of treading water, in September 2023 we welcomed the support of an external consultant.
The brief? Help us shift from growth to scale. Help us change.
- As we continued to re-structure our organisation, we embedded processes to refine how we work internally and better predict the financial health of our business.
- We’ve welcomed new team members who chose to join our adventure and bid farewell to others as they continue theirs.
- Our curious customers continued to co-innovate with us, enabling us to use our data-led expertise to demonstrate how social advocacy can drive better business performance.
- We revisited our purpose and values to better understand who we are and what we stand for, recognising that Tribal 2.0 has evolved its own identity.
- Finally, we broadened our reach into new industries (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Staffing and Recruiting and Non-profit organisations), increasing our work with Employer Branding and Talent teams around the world.
Leading Through Change
However, with change comes uncertainty. It’s unknown, risky and unsettling. The unpredictability of not knowing what’s ahead can even be scary for some.
As an entrepreneur, survival is dependent on constantly adapting and pivoting yourself. Learning to get comfortable with change and realising the opportunity that often comes with it.
This incredible TED Talk from Maya Shankar summarises it perfectly:
“When an unexpected change happens to us, it can also inspire lasting change within us”. Maya Shanker.
And then the business grows. As a small team, decisions are made quickly and as a collective - teams scramble if/when needed. There’s a ‘family feel’ full of adventure and the pace is fast.
As the organisation grows further, there’s a need to adapt again. Building communication frameworks to cascade information, creating development plans to support personal growth and building a strong leadership team to support our business.
Leading others through change has been a huge learning experience. The book “Leadership Mindset 2.0” by R. Michael Anderson MBA MA changed everything for me.
- Knowing that your leadership style reflects the relationship you have with yourself.
- Recognising when to lean in and when to lean out.
- When to speak up and when to stay quiet.
- Realising your team can operate just as well, if not better, when you’re out of the way.
That last point has been the most eye-opening for me and it all started, not surprisingly, with a book!
Embracing Change
Last year, whilst at the gym, I worked my way through a book called “All In” by Mike Michalowicz.
Part way through the Audible version, the author instructed readers to fast-forward 12 months and block a solid four weeks out of office. Dutifully, I followed the instruction. Did I believe it would happen? Not a chance.
After experiencing ‘space’ in Barcelona last summer, I knew this would be good for me and Tribal. Nervously, I announced my month-long ambition to our leadership team a couple of months ago.
There was no need to worry. I’m writing this blog during that four-week block I booked out a year ago. Yep, it happened.
The team are more than surviving, they’re thriving. Roles defined, processes in place and brilliant people who lean into their expertise.
So, perhaps the biggest personal achievement I’ve experienced over this last year, is learning to embrace change once again. Re-discovering the confidence to be bold, think big and embrace the unknown.
After all…
“Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone”
Adapting Our Sails
As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “change is the only constant in life”. As we move into our tenth year, we’ll continue to adjust our sails to where the wind approaches us. We’ll stay curious and adapt accordingly. It’s a Tribal strength 💪🏼.I’ve written enough of these anniversary blogs to know I won’t make predictions or promises for the year ahead. Unexpected curveballs (or squalls to keep the wind analogy going) come from all directions when you least expect them.
That said, I continue to look forward to our future with confidence. Our tribe is strong. Together, we’ve built the foundation to scale. I’m surrounded by a team who care deeply about each other and our future.
We’ll launch our brand refresh (which you’ll see over the coming months), the expansion of our team and more data-led thought leadership as we continue to embed social into the operating models of our clients.
Cheers to the years and huge thank you to everyone who has influenced or been part of our journey over this last year. Team Tribal – you have been and continue to be incredible. I appreciate everything you do for our clients. Thank you. 🙏🏼
Finally, special thanks to Andy Norman, for supporting and guiding us through this change over the last year. We couldn’t have done it without you and I’ll always appreciate your mentorship and guidance.
