Heraclitus had it exactly right when he said, “The only constant in life is change.” We resist this truth at our own peril. In fact, doing just the opposite – embracing turmoil, uncertainty, and change – may bring unexpected benefits for you as a leader as you respond to volatility in your organization and the world, at large.
How is all of this manifesting for you and how are you adapting? You don’t live in a bubble, so your personal equilibrium and your work are no doubt challenged by “outside” factors such as geopolitical tensions, financial unpredictability, broken supply chains, and an onslaught of climate-related disasters. In addition, you’re tasked as a leader with staying abreast of shifting workforce demographics, remote and hybrid work models, and technological changes, including the ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence. And all this before we even mention the perpetual personal challenges you may be facing as a parent, adult child, partner, neighbor, or friend.
As a leader, you are expected to be an excellent manager of change. And yet a study by LeadershipIQ.com found that nearly a third of CEOS are fired due to poor change management, despite undergoing a change-management initiative. What is going so wrong? Often it involves a failure to motivate and “sell” employees and managers on the need to change course. In other cases, the chief executive fails to follow through and solidify gains.
Whether it’s a minor annoyance or a mind-blowing occurrence, how do you transform disruption into a catalyst and opportunity for innovation and growth? These tips might provide a basic orientation:
- Know that avoidance is not a strategy! If you focus on the future to the neglect of what’s right in front of you – potential legal or financial consequences, for example – your change-management approaches will likely backfire. Direct, open communication with staff is essential for building trust and engagement and for navigating the sometimes stomach-churning landscape you traverse as a leader.
- Involve staff in change management. According to Deloitte, organizations that do more to involve workers in designing and implementing organizational change also do better at improving employee engagement. In addition, if you openly display a willingness to make changes and clearly communicate why it’s necessary, you’re more likely to build trust in organizational leadership.
- Don’t go it alone. You might be a mover and shaker, a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with. But, despite a culture that venerates individuality and trailblazers, we all need each other! Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, creating a support network is essential for providing emotional support and insights. Although family, friends, and peers likely form its foundation, stay open. You may find pearls of wisdom where you least expect them – on a walk, in the park, while waiting in line at the grocery store.
- Remember that balance is key. How many days can you say that you’ve completely cleared your plate as well as your mental inbox? Not often, right? There is always more work to do. Prioritizing personal relationships helps create the kind of healthy work-life balance we all need, not only for our ourselves, but also for a productive work environment over the long haul. When you burn out, everyone around you is affected.
- Seek solutions from setbacks. When you’re in the midst of a tough time, remind yourself that you’ve been here before and this won’t last. It might not have been your finest hour, but cut yourself some slack and remember that there is always something to learn from your mistakes and failures.
- Reinvent yourself. At times, it may be tempting to simply crave the simplicity of the status quo. But that’s where the wisdom of Heraclitus still rings true: There really isn’t such a thing, or at the least, it doesn’t last. As such, maybe any setbacks you experience in the face of turmoil and uncertainty are telling you it’s time to set new goals and acquire new skills – to reinvent yourself. You might really like this new person – someone who is stronger and more resilient and more prepared for the future.
Lead well out there (and inside of yourself, too)!