The Problem with Change: And the Essential Nature of Human Performance By Ashley Goodall

In The Case Against Change, leadership expert Ashley Goodall challenges the prevailing business dogma that constant disruption and change are essential for growth and success. Drawing on his extensive experience leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, Goodall argues that this relentless pursuit of change is not only misguided but detrimental to both individuals and organizations.

Goodall introduces the concept of “life in the blender” to describe the turmoil caused by continuous upheaval—whether it’s through mergers, reorganizations, or new office layouts. He contends that this constant flux creates a psychological strain on employees, leading to decreased motivation, productivity, and performance. Despite its prevalence, the harmful impact of perpetual change often goes unnoticed, as organizations become numb to its real consequences.

The book presents a compelling case for stability over disruption. Goodall advocates for a shift in leadership practices, emphasizing the importance of fostering team cohesion rather than frequent reshuffling. He recommends moving away from corporate jargon in favor of clear, honest communication, and suggests that leaders should focus on fixing genuinely broken aspects of their organizations rather than perpetuating a cycle of relentless change.

The Case Against Change is a thought-provoking examination of how the modern business obsession with change has led to a damaging cycle of instability. Goodall’s insights offer a roadmap for leaders seeking to create environments where stability and clarity replace the chaos of constant upheaval, ultimately enabling both people and organizations to thrive.