The Art of the Pivot

When to change course without losing your way.

Let’s face it—sticking to your guns is overrated if the market, your customers, or even your gut is telling you otherwise. The art of the pivot isn’t about giving up, it’s about adapting to reality and finding a better path forward.

As Steve Blank once said, “A pivot is a substantive change in any part of your business model when your fantasy doesn’t match the facts”.

Here’s how to know when it’s time to pivot and how to do it like a pro:

Listen to the Data, Not Just Your Ego

Entrepreneurs often cling to their original vision, but the best ones know when to let go. If your product isn’t resonating, your pricing model is off, or your customers are asking for something entirely different, it’s time to reevaluate. Data doesn’t lie, but your ego might.

Take a hard look at customer feedback, sales metrics, and market trends. As Reid Hoffman pointed out, waiting too long to pivot can be fatal—don’t wait until you’ve hit the wall.

Involve Your Team in the Process

Pivoting isn’t a solo sport. Share your reasoning with your team, and ask them to scrutinize your thinking. Explain why you believe a pivot is necessary and invite them to challenge your assumptions.

This collaborative approach not only strengthens your decision but also ensures buy-in from the people who will help execute the pivot. Your team can often see what you’re missing.

Pivot with Purpose

A pivot isn’t a random change, it’s a strategic shift based on evidence. Whether it’s targeting a new customer segment, tweaking your product features, or switching to a subscription model, make sure your pivot is grounded in data and feedback.

Remember Josh Peck’s insight: the ability to pivot quickly and incorporate feedback is what separates successful startups from those that fizzle out.

Embrace Vulnerability

Pivoting requires admitting that your initial plan wasn’t perfect. That’s okay. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength that leads to growth.

Even icons like Kristi Yamaguchi and Steve Jobs faced setbacks before finding their stride!

When you admit what you don’t know or where you’ve failed, you open the door to learning and collaboration. Vulnerability isn’t just personal—it’s a leadership superpower that inspires others to do the same.

Know When to Stop Pushing the Boulder

Sometimes, the hardest part of any journey is knowing when to stop climbing the wrong hill. Amy Edmondson once said, “Listen to the little voices inside your head that say, ‘Maybe this is the wrong hill’”.

Stopping isn’t quitting, it’s recalibrating based on better information. Ask yourself tough questions: Is this still worth the effort? Are you climbing this hill because it’s right or because you’re too proud to admit it’s not?

If you’re pouring time, money, and energy into something that isn’t working, it’s time to pivot—or risk burning out. When you stop pushing the wrong boulder, you free yourself to find the right one. .

Closing Thought:

Pivoting isn’t about failure, it’s about evolution. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, activist, or creative, the ability to adapt is what makes you remarkable. So, what’s your next move?

Share your pivot story—or the one you’re contemplating. Let’s learn from each other.

Mahalo!

Guy