I am not an animal, I am a human being!

A few days ago, I watched the movie “The Elephant Man” again, a classic from the 1980s that I first encountered a long time ago. The film is based on a true story, which makes it even more gripping and fascinating. For those of you who haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.

The movie portrays the story of a man named John Merrick, who is severely deformed and therefore regarded as a monster by most people around him. Some individuals try to exploit his unusual appearance for their own gain, while others are so frightened that they simply avoid him. But beyond the frightening exterior, Merrick is a human being with a warm soul and a sharp intellect, not so different from any of us. All he really needs is a bit of compassion and support for his true nature to shine through.

This made me think about the development projects I’ve worked on. Just as John Merrick represents something different and unknown, so do development projects within an organization. They bring about change, and change is often perceived as a threat to the existing order. People tend to react instinctively, perhaps in the same way they reacted to Merrick in the film, with fear, avoidance, or even resistance.

I recall a project I led a few years ago that was met with significant resistance. The project introduced an entirely new technical platform in a business that had operated the same way for many years. Many saw it as a threat, not because it was a bad idea, but because it was new and required them to step out of their comfort zone. It took time, communication, and a fair amount of persuasion to get everyone on board. I  remember that I often had to paraphrase Merrick's words from the film: "This is not a threat, it's an opportunity!"

Fortunately, there are always some people in every organization who see the potential in something new. These individuals become the pillars of change, helping to overcome resistance and pave the way for success. Just like John Merrick, who needed compassion and support to reveal his true self, development projects need the right environment to thrive.

So, the next time you face a change, think of “The Elephant Man” and remind yourself that the new doesn’t have to be frightening. With the right attitude and support, it can be the beginning of something amazing.