Leading change is a challenge even for those that thrive on change. Understanding your style first will help you to lead others through a transformation. Everyone has a unique reaction to change and the more you know about your reaction, the greater your potential to lead others. This holds true in both your professional and personal lives. Reflect, consider, plan and Lead. Successful change rarely comes from the hip!
Recognizing when the market is changing is a core competency of successful leaders. A great leader will create an organization that is sensitive to the change in markets and will respond to the change quickly instead of avoiding reality on holding on to the past. Change is constant, those who recognize the needs of the market and respond quickly as an organization can reap the benefits. Nimble leaders lead nimble organizations.
A great leader I had the privilege to spend time with once said that passion cannot be faked. People need to feel that the leader is the first to change and is passionately engaged with the vision. In a global organization, the passion must cross borders without losing energy. Taking the message on the road, finding the right channels of communication and using the passion to lead the organization demonstrates the leader’s authenticity. If the leader has to fake it, or cannot lead change with passion, it may be time to question if it is the right leader. Change with passion can lead to sustained success. Let the positive energy flow!
As leaders, we invite feedback from our customers, employees and stakeholders. The question is do we really hear what they are saying. It is imperative to our success and the future of the businesses we lead to truly listen and act. Acting includes executing on strategy that is aligned with that voice. Hear it, understand it, own it and act.
