The Difference Between Change and Growth

This is a story about workplaces and organizations.
Things change and things move forward, don't they?
But there are also things that don't change and don't move forward, right?

The other day, while exchanging emails and messages with my junior colleagues at work, I had a realization.

I felt that there might be a difference: 'change' comes from the top down, while 'growth' comes from the bottom up.

(The cute illustration at the top was created by Mitsuki Haruta. I am using it with permission, thank you!)

1. Workplaces and organizations changing and being changed

Sometimes, not changing is considered a virtue.
It might sound cool to call it 'immutability,' perhaps.

Even if you want to change the status quo, you cannot do it alone.
There may be times when you cannot change things within the current system.
Changing the awareness and feelings of everyone, from bosses to subordinates, is not an easy task, is it?

Trying to create change like a reformer is difficult, and you might end up standing out, having others unable to keep up, or simply becoming an oddball.

2. 'Change' through top-down approaches

However, there are times when things change all at once due to strong authority or power from above, such as through top-down organizational mandates.

I think this is what 'change' is.

It might be the fastest and easiest way to change things.
Whether everyone agrees or is convinced is a mystery.

So, does that mean young people or those who will carry the future cannot do anything unless they are in a position of authority?

3. 'Growth' through bottom-up approaches

On the other hand, I thought that changing things from the bottom up is what 'growth' is.

I believe this involves not just changing actions, but also sharing feelings and goals, and above all, it is accompanied by a change in organizational culture.

It may be difficult, as it takes time and requires many people to empathize, but I believe that bottom-up 'growth' is something anyone can attempt, and it is a noble endeavor.

Is it 'change' brought about by applying strong force from above,
or is it 'growth' built by gathering and stacking up our thoughts and feelings?
I have been thinking about that difference.

4. Come to think of it

I remember that the late Manager Nomura wrote something like this in his book.

At times, taking the bold step of changing an organization or a method is what we call 'change'.
Continuing to look forward and steadily building up progress using the same methods and approaches is called 'progress'.
When both of these fuse together, 'evolution' can occur.

This has become a digression, but since it reminded me of this, I decided to write it down.

In sports coaching, there is also the topic of 'spontaneity' versus 'compulsion'. This might be related to that as well.
It might also be connected to the foundations of democracy or even self-governance.
I would like to think more about these matters as well.

I wrote this after being inspired by and learning from the younger colleagues who are striving to do their best within the organization.

Especially in the workplace, I do not have authority or power, so I intend to continue making progress and growing, little by little, while envisioning an ideal future for the sake of the citizens.