How Effective Leaders Deal with Change

How Effective Leaders Deal with Change

Leaders, I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but if you’re just holding the reins and maintaining the status quo, you’re not really leading. True leaders embrace, welcome, and champion change – for the better, of course. How you view change (from a negative or positive perspective) will determine how effective you are as a leader. You set the tone for your team and they will likely follow your example.

When you hear the word change what do you think of? Take a moment and jot down the first five to ten words or phrases that come to mind. Once you’ve done this, (without filtering your responses), take a look at your list. Would you say that your words or phrases have a negative tone or a positive connotation?

Change is inevitable. As my Mama used to say, “Nothing is constant but change. C’est la vie!” Change is simply a part of life.

Sometimes it’s easier to reflect and look back on particular changes in life and the lessons learned, versus seeing them in the midst of all the mess. For instance, my husband and I did a huge home renovation project once. We had always joked that we never wanted to build a house because we preferred to stay married! Well I don’t know what we thought living in a house while it was being remodeled would be like. At best, it was challenging, at worst maddening, especially when you consider that my office is IN said home. (I can’t just escape the noise and dust by going to the office!)

Now that the growing pains are behind us, I’d like to share with you some of the lessons I’ve learned from this CHANGE:

  • Picture the end result. As I endured the process of remodeling, I kept in mind what my new kitchen, carport, and laundry room, etc., would look like and how the improvements would affect my everyday life. As a leader trying to create change, you will need to help people see a vision of something even better than what they have now. Remember that everyone is tuned to the station WIIFM – What’s In It For Me. Help your team to personalize the vision by explaining what’s in it for them to make and support the change.
  • Deal with the mess. As I ate, drank, and breathed dust, I realized that all change can be messy. You will no doubt endure messy situations as you lead change in your organization. I am reminded of signs posted in places of business when they are remodeling, “Pardon our mess. The inconvenience will be temporary but the improvements will be permanent.” Brace yourself and your team for the mess and encourage people to be flexible as they work through the change.
  • Expect the unexpected. I can tell you that in home renovations at least, there is no schedule, plan, or timetable that is etched in stone. Furthermore, surprises like rotten bathroom floors, substandard plumbing installed by previous owners, and expensive taste in granite counter tops (thanks to yours truly) for example, can mean that the budget has to be scrapped and completely reworked. In leading change allow margins – whether in your time schedule, budget, or plans – for these unexpected developments.
  • Communicate early and often. As numerous electricians, plumbers, AC guys, and carpenters worked on this project, communication was key. In leading change, you may want to err on the side of over-communication. Letting people in on the big picture and communicating how their contribution fits in to the big picture can make a world of difference as to the amount of buy-in you get. Also be sure to communicate needs. Team members can’t help if they don’t know what you need.

What lessons have you learned from change (and challenge) in your life? How are you leading change in your organization? Use the comment box to share your experiences and action plan with us!

Action Time! What will you:

  • start doing,
  • stop doing, or
  • continue doing

to welcome, embrace, and champion change in your organization?

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Jennifer Ledet, CSP, is a leadership consultant and professional speaker (with a hint of Cajun flavor) who equips leaders from the boardroom to the mailroom to improve employee engagement, teamwork, and communication.  In her customized programs, leadership retreats, keynote presentations, and breakout sessions, she cuts through the BS and talks through the tough stuff to solve your people problems

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