The Priest & The Piano: A Powerful Story of Navigating Change in Business

Change in business can feel as daunting as convincing a cat to take a bath! But what if I told you it could be as subtle and smooth as a magician’s sleight of hand?

Let me share a delightful story that illustrates this beautifully, which I picked up over dinner from a fellow business leader whose knack for storytelling is as sharp as his business acumen.

Picture this: One Sunday morning, sunlight streaming through stained glass, a congregation peacefully settled in their church pews. The priest, a figure both admired and gently feared, steps up with a seemingly simple request: "We've decided we are going to move the piano from the left side of the altar to the right." You could hear a pin drop followed by a unified gasp! This piano wasn’t just any piano—it had been a silent witness to countless sermons and secrets, standing proudly in its place for over a century.

The immediate response? A resounding "No, Father, please, no!" The idea of moving something so deeply ingrained in the church’s history was unthinkable. Here’s where our priest turned into a strategist. He implemented a subtle, yet genius plan: "What if I just shift it a couple of centimeters each week? In a year's time, it'll have strolled across to the other side, and perhaps, just maybe, no one would even notice!"

And so began the great piano migration. Each week, ever so slightly, the piano inched its way across the altar. The congregation, initially resistant, gradually grew accustomed to the change. By the time the piano reached its new home, the move seemed like it had been the plan all along.

Now, why am I, talking about moving pianos in a church? Because, dear reader, this is the essence of managing change in any big endeavor, especially in business. The secret lies in making the shift incrementally. Shock and awe might grab headlines, but subtlety wins the day (and importantly, the buy-in of your team).

In your next change initiative, remember the priest and his piano. Whether it’s tweaking a process, shifting a strategy, or even repositioning a brand, small steps can lead to massive change—without drama or resistance.

Let's keep moving our pianos, one tiny push at a time. Who knows? By the time we’re done, we might just find that everyone has come to love the view from the other side!

I would love to hear what you think of the 'priest and the piano' and how you have effected positive change in your business - please share in the comments below.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Paul