Bob Dylan’s was more of a sociologist than an entertainer. His lyrics are fantastic lessons and never before are the words of his 1964 hit song as relevant as now.

 

“Come gather round people wherever you roam, and admit that the waters around you have grown

And accept it that soon you’ll be drenched to the bone, if your time to you is worth saving’

Then you better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changing”

 

The times surely are changing and definitely more rapidly than when Dylan penned his song in the 1960s.

How do we as leaders save our businesses from sinking like a stone?

LESSON ONE: Accept the Change

“keep your eyes wide open, the chance won’t come again”

As a leader, you need to open your eyes and admit that the business landscape has transformed and will continue to change at a rapid rate. If your organisation is not keeping abreast of the shift, you are dead.

Employ people that are critically constructive and who are uncomfortable with keeping the status quo. As a leader get out of their way and fasten your seat belt.

Now Read: Unlocking People’s Potential

LESSON TWO: Act Quickly

“Don’t stand in the doorway, don’t block up the hall, for he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled”

Do not wait to find out what the competition is doing or how the wider economy is going to react. Just do it!

Remember it is often the first mover that gets the deal. Act with decisive speed.

LESSON THREE: Embrace Young Minds

“Come mothers and fathers, throughout the land and don’t criticize what you can’t understand

Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command, your old road is rapidly ageing”

 

If you employ young people allow them the freedom to make decisions. They are likely to better understand the market of tomorrow. Recognize that you do not have to fully understand the ways of your young staff but you do have to TRUST them. Do not shackle them with old-time thinking.

LESSON FOUR: Diversity is King

“The slow one now will later be fast as the present now will later be past”

The skills that have made your business successful in the past may very well not be relevant tomorrow. Cherish the diversity of your people and embrace their new methods of getting work done.

Welcome & Accept the New Order & Understand That

“Your old road is rapidly ageing, get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand

For the times they are a-changing”

Now Read: Action Overcomes Fear