We Need To Focus On Getting Things Right, Not On Repackaging

by | May 20, 2025 | Finding Value Blog | 0 comments

The Trend of Repackaging

For the past couple of decades, leadership, management, and agile methodologies have been caught in a cycle of repackaging. Concepts are recycled, rebranded, and marketed as revolutionary, even though they’re often rooted in decades-old practices.

Take "Shift Left," for example. It was pitched as a groundbreaking approach to software quality, but in reality, it was simply an evolution of early testing and quality assurance. Similarly, “Modern Management” often boils down to principles of servant and adaptive leadership. These ideas have been around for decades.

While repackaging can make complex ideas more accessible, it can also create unnecessary complexity, confusion, and distraction. I’m outspoken about this trend, and here’s why we should step away from it and focus on what’s right for our teams, organizations, and ourselves.

The History Behind the Repackaging

Repackaging isn’t inherently bad. It often stems from the need to refine and adapt existing concepts to fit modern challenges. However, recognizing the roots of these ideas helps us avoid getting caught up in the hype.

Shift Left: The "Shift Left" movement in software testing encouraged teams to integrate quality assurance earlier in the development process. But this wasn’t new, it's based on early defect detection, a foundation of quality management since the mid-20th century.

Modern Management: Modern management is often presented as a fresh take on leadership, but it’s deeply rooted in servant leadership (Robert Greenleaf, 1970s) and adaptive leadership (Ronald Heifetz, 1990s). These frameworks emphasize empathy, adaptability, and collaboration, all of which are values that have been around for a long time.

Agile Frameworks: The agile space is another example. The Agile Manifesto (2001) made a big splash but as we know these principles were inspired by Lean manufacturing practices developed by Toyota in the 1940s. Scrum, Kanban, and other frameworks have since been rebranded as distinct methodologies, despite their shared origins.

The Problem with Repackaging

While repackaging can make old ideas feel new, it often comes with unintended consequences:

  • Unnecessary Complexity: Jargon and buzzwords make repackaged concepts harder to understand and implement. Teams spend more time deciphering frameworks than solving real problems.

  • Branding Over Practicality: The focus shifts to selling the “method” rather than solving the issue. Organizations invest in certifications and training for the latest trend, only to find it doesn’t address their unique challenges.

  • Distraction from Core Issues: Leaders and teams get caught up in the “next big thing” instead of addressing the root causes of inefficiencies, misalignment, or poor collaboration.

Why Doing What’s Right Matters

Stepping away from repackaging and focusing on what’s right for your organization isn’t just a philosophy. There is plenty of research that supports it.

Tailored Solutions Drive Success

  • Harvard Business School highlights that change processes tailored to an organization’s unique challenges are far more effective than generic frameworks.

Leadership Behaviors Matter

  • The Center for Creative Leadership shows that leadership behaviors directly impact employee engagement and adaptability. Leaders who model empathy, adaptability, and vision create environments where teams thrive during change.

Employee Engagement and Productivity

  • Gallup reports that organizations with engaged employees see 21% higher profitability and 17% higher productivity. Leadership behaviors that prioritize trust, communication, and alignment are key drivers of engagement.

Simplification Leads to Better Results

  • McKinsey & Company found that organizations focusing on simplicity and clarity in change initiatives were 1.5 times more likely to succeed than those relying on complex methodologies.

Actionable Steps for Leaders

Ready to break free from the cycle of repackaging? Here’s how:

  • Conduct a Root Cause Analysis: Use tools like the 5 Whys or Pareto analysis to identify real challenges. As I stated earlier this is more than treating symptoms. Although it can be time-consuming when determining the real issue it will lead to lasting change and avoidance of process debt.

  • Focus on Team Dynamics: Invest in workshops and coaching that address communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Tools like Everything DiSC™ and The Five Behaviors™ can help.

  • Evaluate Before You Adopt: Before jumping on the latest trend, ask: “Does this align with our goals? Will it solve our unique challenges?”

  • Embrace Adaptive Leadership: Encourage leaders to be empathetic, flexible, and open to change. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about enabling success.

  • Simplify Your Approach: Sometimes, less is more. Focus on what truly matters rather than overcomplicating with unnecessary frameworks.

Moving Forward

Next time a shiny new methodology or framework catches your attention, take a step back. Ask yourself: Is this new, or just a rebranded version of something we already know? More importantly, does it address the unique needs of your organization?

Evolution isn’t about adopting the latest trend. It’s about doing what’s right. By focusing on authenticity, simplicity, and alignment, we can drive real, sustainable change.

Ready to move beyond buzzwords? Start with one small, authentic change today—and see what real evolution feels like.

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