Beyond the One-Trick Pony

In a fast-paced organisation that’s in its growth phase, sustaining momentum requires more than just scaling operations. It demands a mindset shift.

When things are moving quickly, the gap between those who evolve and those who remain static becomes impossible to ignore, and often determines whether digital transformation accelerates or stalls.

Too often, we encounter what I call the one-trick pony mindset. These are people who are highly skilled in their domain but operate within a narrow range, repeating what they already know rather than pushing themselves or the organisation forward. They’re dependable executors, but they rarely drive transformation. And in the context of digital maturity, dependability alone is not enough!

True transformation comes from those who are willing to think beyond the box. People who embrace discomfort, take ownership of their personal growth, and carve out new paths even when one hasn’t been laid out for them. These individuals don’t just adapt to change—they actively shape it.

As leaders, when we are growing our teams (or reorganising or realigning them), we need to look beyond just technical competencies. We must intentionally seek out mindsets that are curious, resilient, and future-oriented.

Those who stretch their thinking, challenge the status quo, and reinvent how value is created are the ones who will help the organisation scale not just faster, but smarter. Because digital maturity isn’t about doing the same things better. It’s about doing better things—and that starts with people who are more than just one trick deep.

#digital #mindset #technology