Leading change

In a non-static world, the task of a leader is to bring about change. It might be to accelerate the pace of change, it could be to slow it down. It may be to change what is done, it might be improving how it’s done. The change may be imposed – forced by market conditions – or it may be proactively sought out. Regardless of the specifics, change will be implemented or resisted by people. 

To stay ahead, the leader must learn to artfully navigate change – forcing it is a recipe for exhaustion (self), resistance (others), and eventually, reversal. The leader must understand the nature of change beyond selling a good story; they must work with the system, not drive it. And while they’re developing a more sophisticated approach to this work, they must support others to themselves learn greater nuance.  

Much can be learnt about the nature of change from nature; rhythmical change like the shifting of the seasons, dramatic change like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, destructive change like floods and volcanos, microscopic change like mountains growing. Ancient wisdom traditions like Taoism have much to say as well. Harvesting and applying these lessons is not linear or formulaic, but for those who’re willing to deepen their curiosity around the nature of change, a world of possibilities opens. 

Awareness is the starting point for this work. Developing an ever more detailed appreciation for – and acceptance of – what is happening in the current moment, provides an ever greater range of options for how to move forward. With this frame, the leaders attitude toward resistance changes; from seeing it as an element to overcome, to appreciating it as a force from within the organisation articulating something important and useful that, if productively engaged with, will ultimately, support the change. 

This is a crucial pillar of a leader’s skillset. Not only does mastery of this area help the leader stand out, it also significantly improves the experience of leading change in organisations. Less antagonistic, more sustainable. Get in touch to discuss more.