By Mary Sundet Jones
Some things are so core to who you are and what you do that it can take time to be able to see them clearly. An astute outside observer’s off-hand comment, or, in this case, a cheap travel souvenir, can shed unexpected light. And suddenly you know yourself and your work just a little better.
My husband picked up this little magnet in Rome this summer, because it struck him that Panta Rei is a core principle for TPG Companies.
Huh. He’s right.
The term is attributed to Heraclitus, the 6th-century B.C. Greek philosopher. Panta Rei (sometimes written “rhei”) reflects Heraclitus’ thought that “no one ever steps in the same river twice.” That is – the river continues to be a river, but it is constantly changing.
What’s the TPG connection? The more I consider it, the more I realize Panta Rei runs in and through much of how we think and how we work with clients and partners. A few examples:
- We see owners and executives facing new and changing circumstances in this VUCA world, and believe that a VUCA Prime mindset can propel success.
Everything Flows. Everything Changes. Panta Rei. - We approach each company and organization – and each person within them – as entities that have changed, are in the midst of change, and will continue to change – to flow. Where they’ve come from and where they are now are important to where they are going. We help them articulate, focus, and direct their change, to achieve results that in turn lay the ground work for more change.
Everything Flows. Everything Changes. Panta Rei. - Our strategic planning approaches understand and account for the fact that your company is different today – and operates in a different environment today – than it did even just a few years ago. And the change will continue, both internally and externally.
Everything Flows. Everything Changes. Panta Rei. - We’re constantly collecting, because we know there’s always new and important thinking out there, that we can incorporate into our own flow. We listen, we read, we collect. Everything changes – and that includes how we do what we do, what we do, and how we talk to you about what you do. Yet the context is the same: making your business better, and addressing what matters most.
Everything Flows. Everything Changes. Panta Rei.
***
Who do you know who could benefit from this & other TPG blog posts? Forward this to them and encourage them to follow!
Want to see more of what we think and talk about at TPG Companies? Click the “Follow” button to deliver new posts to you as they’re published.
Mary Sundet Jones, TPG Consultant & Project Manager, has built a broad and deep portfolio of experience combining big-picture strategy with the details and logistics of process improvement, team building, program management, administration, and more. She gets energy and inspiration from helping connect clients with approaches and resources that will help them succeed – and – sometimes – from Italian souvenir refrigerator magnets.
Transform. Perform. Grow. 