To steer a cruise ship: A few years back I had the opportunity of interacting with then CEO of BMO Bill Downe. Bill is credited with transforming BMO and bringing it at par with some of the top banks and especially the BMO brand in the United States.

During the Q&A session I asked a leading question: Is change management at a large business similar to steering a cruise ship, you made a 90 degree turn but no one felt the jolt?

Bill appreciated the question and spoke about how leading a large company is indeed like steering a cruise ship. Change happens but is intentionally unhurried at times so that the transition is smooth and that no large tremors or shocks are felt. However he assured everyone that change is happening to transform the Bank, especially digitally.

These days with the changes happening in the US Government especially driven by findings from DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) it feels that the gigantic cruise ship that the US Government is being steered like a power boat making sharp turns.

My question and worry is: Can a gigantic cruise ship being steered like a power boat making sharp turns be able to withstand shattering jolts, shivering shocks and disrupting tremors or is there a risk of the cruise ship capsizing!

[Disclaimer: This is not a political post but a post on the effects of drastic organizational change management. There have been businesses that have been through significant change. I chose the US Government example as it is current and relatable] 

Your friendly Neighborhood Data Guy 

LinkedIn Post: Steering a cruise ship