
Editorial by Managing Director Alexander De Beir
Do you suffer from “metathesiophobia”?
The term may not be widely recognized, yet a significant number of individuals experience this condition. Are you afraid of change? Does uncertainty paralyze you? If so, you too are susceptible to this troublesome affliction, especially when the fear of change takes on an irrational dimension. This experience typically arises after undergoing an adverse event. In extreme situations, professional assistance is certainly advisable, but it seems that nowadays a general, milder form of metathesiophobia is a more widespread phenomenon within our society.
The fear of the unknown is understandable, human even. But it leads us nowhere. Of course, there are such things as acquired rights for which our ancestors sometimes literally fought. But let us not forget that they did so precisely to bring about change, not the reverse. Different times bring different challenges. New priorities. You can stubbornly resist them, or you can join the path of change, thereby helping to determine its trajectory, pace, and means.
Moveo ergo sum
An interim manager already understands this. Change is, so to speak, woven into their DNA. Not to be confused with instability; on the contrary. You can perfectly maintain balance and be in constant motion, as long as you continue to follow a guiding star. The art for the interim manager often lies in convincing the temporary professional environment of the necessity of change and the relevance of the methods employed. Additionally, the interim manager must navigate the various egos encountered along the way—individuals who may be affected by change, whether gently or forcefully, perceiving it as an opportunity or as an accomplished fact. In this edition of TIP-IM, we read the fascinating testimony of Yves Nuyts, who has 30 years of experience in (temporary) leadership roles, about the psychology of leadership in pursuing sustainable success through temporary teams.
Change is the only constant in life.
… So said the philosopher Heraclitus (6th-5th century BC). Applied to businesses today, this motto is more relevant than ever.
A statistic? In 1955, the average life expectancy of an organization was 75 years. Today, it is estimated at less than 15 years. It is also said that 52% of Fortune 500 companies have disappeared since 2000. Conversely, of the Magnificent 7, only Microsoft was already active in 2000.
Those who want their company to keep pace in this constantly changing world would do well to surround themselves with disruptive forces and heterogeneous teams that can work in a project-oriented manner. This is the belief of Sherrie Haynie, Sr. Director of US Professional Services for The Myers-Briggs Company. She fully advocates for transformational leadership, which aims to inspire employees by sharing a clear vision of the future and involving everyone in this mission.
Will 2025 be a transformational experience for you as well? Perhaps. I sincerely hope so. As long as you remain true to yourself, that transformational self will become an augmented personality. Rest assured. Those who dare to look uncertainty straight in the eye emerge stronger!