I was listening to a sports talk show recently where the host, Jeff Blair, was taking heat from listeners. His “crime”? He had changed his mind on a particular team strategy. What struck me wasn’t whether his new position was right or wrong, but that the criticism centered on the mere act of him changing his stance. It prompted a thought Blair voiced, which I believe is a profound commentary on a common societal and business bias: “Changing your mind is generally considered a weakness.”

Is that true? Do we instinctively view a change of mind, an adaptation based on new information or evolving circumstances, as a sign of being weak, indecisive, or inconsistent? The more I consider it, the more I believe this bias is prevalent, and it’s one of the key reasons fostering true creativity and innovation can be so challenging within our organizations.

Innovation Demands Adaptability, Society Often Resists It

If you study innovation and creative processes, a core requirement is the ability to learn from failures, the agility to change course, and the willingness to question everything through rapid feedback loops. It is standard practice and, indeed, a sign of strength to change your mind as part of an effective innovation journey.

Yet, if society at large, or at least a vocal segment, views changing one’s mind as a weakness, it’s no wonder so many Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs) struggle to cultivate a truly innovative culture. We’ve all seen leaders who champion “innovation” in speeches but then penalize the inevitable small failures that come with experimentation, or who espouse creativity but quickly revert to entrenched processes at the first sign of uncertainty. Perhaps these leaders aren’t inherently weak; perhaps they’re reacting to this societal pressure.

The Strength in Strategic Adaptation: A Fractional CIO’s Perspective

In my experience advising SMBs, particularly on technology strategy and digital transformation, there is immense value in asking questions, continuously learning, and being willing to adapt. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take an initial position or make a decision with imperfect information just to get a process started or to catalyze a discussion. But as new data emerges, as market conditions shift, or as initial results from an IT pilot project come in, true leadership lies in the willingness to re-evaluate, learn, and, if necessary, change your mind and adjust the course. Waiting for all the information before making any decision often means the opportunity is lost.

Taking a position with the best available information is a hallmark of leadership. Being willing to face the music and change that position when confronted with new, compelling evidence is an even greater sign of strength and wisdom. As a fractional CIO, I strive to create an environment where IT strategies can be dynamic and responsive, where we can “change our minds” based on what we learn, ensuring technology investments remain aligned with evolving business needs.

Redefining Change: From Weakness to Power

We need to actively dismantle the outdated notion that changing your mind equates to weakness. In today’s fast-paced, disruptive business environment, the opposite is true:

CHANGE (of mind, of course, based on new insights) = POWER

It’s the power to:

• Avoid persisting with a failing strategy.
• Adapt to new market realities.
• Learn from experience and iterate towards better solutions.
• Build a more resilient and agile organization.

What’s Next

Don’t let the fear of appearing “weak” prevent you or your SMB from making necessary strategic pivots. Cultivate a culture where learning is continuous, where new information is welcomed, and where adapting your plans based on that information is seen as a sign of intelligent, strong leadership. This willingness to change is fundamental to helping your business “Succeed Sooner.”

Is your SMB fostering a culture where it’s safe to challenge assumptions and adapt strategies based on new learnings, especially in your critical technology initiatives? If you’re looking for a strategic partner who champions adaptive leadership and can help you navigate change with confidence, let’s connect with Succeed Sooner Consulting.