As another year draws to a close, it's a good time for reflection on the last 12 months. Whether personally or professionally, what kind of leadership have you shown? Read on to learn three essential leadership skills you can easily implement to better support your team.
There once was a CEO who exclaimed "My hair is on fire!" whenever something upsetting or unexpected occurred. As you can imagine, this often resulted in staff dropping their current task to address the latest drama. In addition to the unnecessary sense of panic this outburst produced, it conveyed that the CEO lacked a resilient mindset: having the ability to adapt, learn and grow through challenging times.
This CEO's negative reaction also impacted the psychological safety of her team, as no one wanted to chance being the reason her "hair was on fire." What if they took a risk and failed? Additionally, the overreaction was exhausting, with the team on edge - waiting for repercussions of the next inevitable change. Eventually, the CEO's phrase was met with concealed eyerolls and annoyance for another interruption of the team's productivity.
Are you this kind of reactive leader? Perhaps you freeze when facing unexpected change, paralyzed with indecision. Or do you calmly assess the situation to discern the best path forward? Ideally, leaders will evaluate potential options and empower their teams in an environment of collaboration and trust.
To enhance your leadership, check out the below excerpt from an Insights Discovery article, "Leading through change: Essential skills for today's leaders." You can read the full blog HERE.
-Three Approaches to address the topic of change-
Change. It’s the constant backdrop to all our working lives. No longer an occasional disruption, but a continual force. Whether it’s navigating change management communication, addressing resistance to change, or managing both large-scale and incremental shifts, organizations must evolve to stay relevant, making change management essential in the workplace.
In this article, we’ll explore three essential skills leaders need to guide their organizations through change: understanding individual needs, fostering team collaboration, and leading by example.
1 - Understand and support individual needs
For individuals, change can stir up a wide range of emotions, everything from excitement about new opportunities to anxiety over the unknown. The key to navigating any change on a personal level is awareness and resilience. Great leaders recognize this. They understand that every individual experiences change differently. Whether your team members embrace change or feel anxious about it, your role is to understand their unique needs and offer support.
Recognize personal reactions to change: Change can evoke a variety of emotions, from excitement and hope to uncertainty, frustration or anxiety. Insights Discovery’s language of color provides leaders with a tool to understand the different personality types in their team, offering insights into how individuals are likely to respond to change. Whether they’re someone who thrives on action and quick decisions or prefers to take a more measured, thoughtful approach, awareness is the first step to managing how you, as a leader, handle transitions.
Build personal resilience: One of the most valuable skills leaders can impart is resilience. Equip your team members with the mindset and tools to navigate change confidently. Encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and provide them with development opportunities to build their skills. By helping individuals develop resilience, you empower them to handle uncertainty with greater ease.
Create an open dialogue: Leaders who foster open communication during times of change create an environment of trust. Encourage your team to ask questions, express concerns, and share feedback. By being approachable and transparent, you reduce fear and uncertainty, allowing individuals to feel more confident and engaged in the process. One of the best ways to ease anxiety around change is to communicate openly and proactively.
2 - Foster team collaboration and trust
While supporting individuals is crucial, change is ultimately a team effort. Teams need to function cohesively to make transitions smoother for everyone involved. Ultimately, teams that come together, support each other, and align on shared goals are better equipped to handle periods of uncertainty.
Create a collaborative mindset: In times of change, collaboration becomes essential. As a leader, encourage your team to come together, share ideas, and problem-solve collectively. A team that collaborates openly is more likely to find innovative solutions and navigate transitions smoothly.
Build trust and psychological safety: Teams thrive when there is trust and psychological safety – an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up without fear of judgement. Especially during periods of change, creating this kind of supportive culture allows team members to express concerns, share insights, and try new approaches without feeling vulnerable.
Share purpose and goals: Having a clear, shared purpose is vital for teams navigating change. When everyone understands the broader vision and their role in achieving it, change becomes less about disruption and more about progress. Leaders should ensure that the team’s goals are aligning and that everyone is working towards a common objective, providing a sense of stability amidst uncertainty.
3 - Lead by example
Leaders play a crucial role in how change is perceived and experienced by individuals and teams. Their ability to guide, support and communicate clearly is essential for fostering a positive, productive response to change.
Set the standard: Leaders set the tone for how change is handled within an organization. By modelling the behavior, they expect- whether that’s remaining calm under pressure, demonstrating adaptability, or staying optimistic – they create an example for others to follow. When leaders approach changes with confidence and composure, it inspires others to do the same.
Communicate transparently: Communication is one of the most powerful tools leaders have when managing change. Being transparent about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it will impact the organization helps to reduce fear and uncertainty. Consistent, honest communication builds trust and keeps everyone aligned with the larger vision.
Empower others: Effective leaders don’t just manage change – they empower others to take ownership of it. By delegating responsibilities, providing resources, and encouraging autonomy, leaders help individuals and teams feel more capable and confident in navigating transitions. Empowering others creates a culture where everyone feels involved in shaping the future. Addressing the topic of change requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, teams, and leaders. When each group plays its role – whether it’s through personal resilience, team collaboration, or strong leadership – change becomes less overwhelming and more manageable!
The above comments are from the Insights Discovery blog, "Leading through change: Essential skills for today's leaders." You can read the full article HERE.
Summary - Three Essential Leadership Skills
In your year-end reflections, consider how you can implement the skills presented here to:
Better support individuals in building resilience
Foster teamwork in times of transition
Create leadership that guides with transparency and empowerment
Whatever you do, remember that communication is paramount in navigating the inevitable changes we face.
For support to enhance your team's ability to collaborate come out stronger, contact us at info@amplify-cc.com. Let's ensure you are equipped to respond to change WITHOUT having your hair on fire. 🔥🧯
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