Last week we talked to all our team leaders about the new structure. It was just a catch up to find out how they were feeling now that the plans had gone into action. Quite a big deal to have four leaders move out of general management roles where they directed the work of 15-20 people and move into the newly formed big innovation projects team of 70 people. I was slightly dreading the meetings. It’s one thing talking rationally about change but quite another to find yourself bang in the middle of it. And then if the change means you’re effectively losing a big title and responsibility for a heap of people – that’s a big ask for the greater good of the business.

Such refreshing meetings – and each so different. We had talked about it being the time to “eat our own dog food” and to innovate ourselves. Now was the time to find out about the taste in their mouths! The one which will always stay in my mind was the leader who talked so openly about his ego. “It’s taken a little bit of a knock, the old chap. But he’ll bounce back once he’s stuck into some new projects. You know what egos are like – that’s their job to be a little bit disturbed by changes.”

Respect.