Project Failure Files: Legacy Thinking in a Rapidly Changing World

In Episode 56 of the Project Failure Files weekly webcast, our focus was “Clinging to Yesterday’s Playbook,” in which Sharon and I tackle the dangers of clinging to outdated practices and rigid thinking in a world that’s changing faster than ever. We try to define what it means to use “yesterday’s playbook” and explore why leaders and teams often default to familiar routines even when those methods are no longer effective. The conversation explores the subtle difference between valuable experience and harmful rigidity, emphasizing that agility and responsiveness should be built into every modern process.

Sharon and I delve into the cultural impacts of failing to adapt — from missed opportunities and repeated mistakes to frustrated teams and innovation standstills. We share stories of resistance to change, from teams that feared disruption to leadership teams that treated change initiatives as temporary fixes. These stories underscore the long-term damage that results when organizations fail to evolve with customer needs, team dynamics, and technological shifts.

To help leaders and managers move forward, the episode offers tactical strategies and best practices, including building feedback loops, reviewing outdated processes, encouraging experimentation, and rewarding adaptability. We stress that promoting a culture of curiosity and iterative change is key to staying relevant and competitive. Whether you’re a leader trying to influence legacy-minded stakeholders or a team member ready to challenge the status quo, the episode offers practical advice to make change a sustainable part of your culture.

Enjoy the episode!

Be sure to tune in next Monday, September 15th at 9am Pacific for a program update on our weekly series. Hope you can join us on our NEW YouTube channel (please subscribe!), or find us on LinkedIn.