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Embracing Imperfection: Kintsugi as a Metaphor for Business Transformation and Change Management
Organisations are constantly faced with the need to evolve, and our starting point may not always be ideal. Change is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey that companies must navigate to survive and thrive. Yet, many businesses still view setbacks and failures as detrimental, something to be avoided or concealed. This mindset can be a major obstacle. There are often imperfections in business transformation.
Enter the philosophy of Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than hiding the cracks, Kintsugi celebrates them, turning broken objects into more valuable, unique works of art. I believe this powerful metaphor holds invaluable lessons for businesses navigating transformation and change management. It teaches us to embrace imperfections and use them as opportunities to build stronger, more resilient organizations.
Kintsugi, which means “golden joinery,” is more than just an art form; it’s a philosophy grounded in wabi-sabi, the concept of finding beauty in imperfection and transience. When applied to business transformation, this mindset encourages us to view every challenge and setback as a chance for innovation, resilience building, and long-term growth. In other words, challenges are just opportunities in disguise.
So how can businesses adopt the principles of Kintsugi to create lasting and meaningful change?
In Kintsugi, the first step is acknowledging the break. Instead of discarding the broken pottery, the artist sees the break as an opportunity to make something more beautiful. In change management, this translates into embracing transparency. Openly discuss challenges, failures, and gaps in the organization’s current processes with all stakeholders.
Ignoring or downplaying cracks in the organisation can be costly. Take the time to conduct a How2-Change Reality Check® before launching any major transformation. Identifying potential risks upfront allows for strategic planning and ensures smoother execution.
This philosophy applies across industries, especially in private equity, where change is rapid and often disrupts existing structures. Leaders who acknowledge imperfections in business transformation early are better positioned to address them effectively.
Once the cracks have been acknowledged, the Kintsugi artist carefully reassembles the broken pieces. In business transformation, this is akin to developing a comprehensive strategy that aligns all elements of the organization – leadership, employees, processes, and technologies.
Strategic planning and stakeholder engagement are key to ensuring that all the “pieces” of the organization fit back together in a way that supports long-term success. Businesses that involve key stakeholders early on are more likely to achieve buy-in and alignment, which are critical to any successful transformation.
An example of this approach can be seen in post-M&A integrations, where alignment between leadership teams and organizational cultures often determines whether the deal succeeds or fails. As Kintsugi artists know, rushing the process leads to poor outcomes – patience and precision are essential, but this isn’t incompatible with the pace and expectations of Private Equity. Remember the Tortoise and the Hare.
What makes Kintsugi unique is the use of gold or other precious metals to repair the pottery. These golden seams not only strengthen the object but also highlight its history and beauty. In the context of change management, this gold is the learning and knowledge that come from navigating through challenges.
Investing in knowledge management and continuously refining processes based on real-world feedback turns every challenge into a golden opportunity. Just as in Kintsugi, where the cracks are not hidden but celebrated, organizations should embrace imperfections in business transformation as learning experiences.
One of the most effective ways to apply this principle is through continuous improvement. Encouraging iterative learning and adaptation allows organisations to build resilience through every phase of transformation.
In Kintsugi, the lacquer must be allowed to dry and set—this takes time and patience. Similarly, business transformation requires realistic timelines and an iterative approach. Change is not something that happens overnight. Organisations need to allow time for employees to adjust, for systems to settle, and for new strategies to show results.
Setting clear but realistic expectations about the timeline for change is crucial to avoid burnout and ensure long-term success. Much like the Kintsugi process, healing is not immediate, but the final result is stronger and more beautiful than before.
Adopting a Kintsugi mindset doesn’t just make for a compelling metaphor – it delivers tangible results. Organisations that embrace imperfections in Business Transformation and learn from their challenges often emerge more resilient, innovative, and adaptable. These are critical qualities for success in private equity and business transformation.
Here are the key returns on adopting a Kintsugi approach to change management:
Increased change adoption: Employees are more likely to embrace change when they feel that their struggles and imperfections are acknowledged as part of the process.
Enhanced innovation: Setbacks often lead to creative solutions that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise. When challenges are seen as opportunities, innovation thrives.
Cultural cohesion: A Kintsugi-like approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, creating a more cohesive and resilient workforce.
Kintsugi teaches us that imperfections in Business Transformation are not weaknesses – they’re opportunities. In the world of business, no transformation is ever flawless, and setbacks are inevitable. But by embracing these “cracks” and filling them with the gold of learning and experience, businesses can emerge from the process stronger, more resilient, and more successful than before.
At How2-Change, we work with businesses navigating a post-M&A integration, driving business transformation, or facing the complex challenges of organisational change. We can help you turn your imperfections into golden seams of strength.
Ready to transform your business into something truly unique? Let’s talk about how we can fill the cracks together. Get in touch, and let’s talk.
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