Change or Stay the Course? A Mogul’s Strategy for True Leadership

In leadership, there's no shortage of advice on change—whether it’s about change management, being a change agent, or transforming yourself, your team, or your organization. Books, articles, and seminars are packed with ways to make us more productive, resilient, open, or focused. But here’s a question we often challenge our clients at Mogul Performance to ask: Is change really necessary?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of change for change's sake, especially after reading the latest self-help book or attending a motivational seminar. We see it all the time—leaders eager to implement new strategies or revamp their approach just because a best-selling author suggested it. But a true Mogul doesn’t jump to change without evaluating the impact. Sometimes, the most strategic move is to hold steady.

When to Make Change
There are times when change is essential. We’ve worked with clients whose performance metrics were strong—high productivity, rising revenue, positive customer feedback. Yet beneath the surface, their teams were exhausted, morale was slipping, and burnout was on the horizon. In cases like these, change isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary. When everyone feels stuck, and you sense a downturn looming, taking action is your responsibility as a leader

Change, when done thoughtfully, can revitalize an organization and help everyone regain momentum. However, even in moments of high pressure, a Mogul moves strategically, ensuring that every change aligns with long-term goals.

When Not to Change
On the flip side, we’ve seen leaders, fresh off the energy of a powerful book or speaker, implement change just because it felt like the right thing to do in the moment. This is common, as studies show that CEOs are often prompted to initiate changes after reading popular "change" books.* But did the team actually need a shift? Was there a problem to solve? Sometimes, what’s really needed is consistency, not disruption.

At Mogul Performance, we guide our clients to evaluate new ideas as tools for their future. Instead of feeling compelled to act immediately, we encourage them to see these insights as resources to draw from when genuine challenges arise. A Mogul knows that jumping into change prematurely can disrupt a positive trajectory, and they prioritize sustaining what works until change is warranted.

Balancing Vision with Reality
One of the hardest parts of leadership is balancing vision with reality. The world moves fast, and teams are often encouraged to change just to keep up. But that doesn’t mean every new idea or trend requires immediate action. Some of the most successful clients we’ve coached have built their strength by holding steady through turbulent times, keeping their teams focused on core goals rather than getting swept up in every new idea.

Taking a Step Back
We often guide our clients at Mogul Performance to understand that effective leadership requires perspective. Before initiating change, take a step back. Analyze the situation. Does your team genuinely need this shift, or are you already on the right path? Sometimes, the best move a Mogul can make is to hold the course, ensuring resources, morale, and productivity remain high.

A true Mogul is constantly evaluating and asking, “Is this change a strategic move or a distraction?” This mindset doesn’t mean avoiding progress but prioritizing stability and thoughtful action. Change should serve a purpose, not just fulfill a desire for novelty.

The Mogul Approach
Let’s not get it confused. At Mogul Performance, we don’t advocate for stagnation. Our clients are encouraged to stay curious, stay sharp, and always look for ways to improve. But every move they make is measured. When change aligns with a clear purpose and supports long-term success, a Mogul acts decisively. But when the path is already leading to growth and achievement, a Mogul trusts in the process and stays the course.

Final Thought
As you lead your team, consider whether change is a strategic move or simply a reaction. Sometimes, the best choice is to hold steady and let your current plan run its course. Being a Mogul is about making purposeful moves, not just reactive ones.

What’s your approach to change? Are you leading with purpose or chasing the latest idea? Let’s talk.

Ready to explore how you can lead with a Mogul mindset? Schedule a discovery session with Mogul Performance today, and let’s take your leadership to the next level. 

* Advice on Communicating During Organizational Change: The Content of Popular Press Books https://doi.org/10.1177/002194360528535