We’ve all heard the word “pivot” frequently during the pandemic but a webinar on pivot leadership has me rethinking the use of the term. Scott Robley reminded participants that the definition of pivot is actually “to modify while maintaining continuity with the previous direction” — it does not mean that you do a 180 degree turn and forget everything about where you were headed.
Too often, people treat pivoting as turning away from what was and instead seek to forge a new path without any regard to the old intentions. It’s a mistake. Yes, we need to alter the course based on changing conditions, but in an adaptive way that preserves the intent. Eric Ries explained it best when he said: “A pivot is a change in strategy without a change in vision.”
The next time circumstances create a need for you to modify your plans, seek to transition your behaviors rather than to start anew. Your vision should continue to guide you even when your path to achieve must be adjusted.
