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I agree with O'Toole that custom and comfort are…

“I agree with O'Toole that custom and comfort are impediments to change. However, it is important to recognize that resistance to change is logical as well. The new "change masters" literature seems to take change as the norm. It isn't. Humans naturally see change as risky because it is risky, just…” quote by Richard P. Rumelt
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“I agree with O'Toole that custom and comfort are impediments to change. However, it is important to recognize that resistance to change is logical as well. The new "change masters" literature seems to take change as the norm. It isn't. Humans naturally see change as risky because it is risky, just as mutations in genes are mostly destructive. You would not want to go to work were everything changed every week! The phone system, the office assignments, who reports to who, and the whole set of job expectations.”

Richard P. Rumelt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Change feels risky because humans view it as threat; comfort hinders adaptation.

In simple terms: People fear change, preferring comfort.

Key Takeaway

Embrace calculated risk.

Themes

psychology change management risk

Mood

analytical practical

Type

business psychological

When to use this quote

  • strategic pivots
  • innovation labs
  • change workshops
  • risk assessments
  • pilot programs

Key Concepts

human aversion comfort zones organizational inertia

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to evaluate when change is needed?
  • What steps reduce perceived risk?
A Different Perspective

Not all change is beneficial.

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