Leaders Embracing Change

Change is an everyday occurrence. You’ll find well-rounded leaders embracing change and having the ability to recognize the opportunities that change can bring and to “Realign Rigorously”. In order to do this, the leader needs to become a pro at innovation. And, that means never start with “it can’t be done.” What is needed, is the ability to create new mindsets, break the mold, think outside of the box and innovate. ‘Success comes in cans’ is a great play on words that contains profound truth.

People have many reasons for resisting change including:
• Fear of losing something of value due to change
• Defense of past practices in order to save face
• Fear of an unknown future that may include personal loss & concern about being unable to adjust
• New routines that create discomfort and potential loss of confidence or status
• Lack of alignment between new norms and existing organization structures and reward systems

There are dozens of bad predictions that have become famous. Consider these for example:

“The Beatles have no future in show business”. A Decca Records executive to the band’s manager, Brian Epstein, following an audition in 1962.

“Remote shopping, while entirely feasible, will flop”. Time Magazine, 1968.

“The telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication”. William Orton, president of Western Union, in 1876, when Alexander Graham Bell tried to sell the company his invention. Imagine the impact if the phone had never evolved or the idea of remote shopping was allowed to die. Even worse, imagine if the Beatles had never played another song!!

There are lots of naysayers in our world. It takes a great leader to recognize that “We cannot direct the wind… But we can adjust the sails.” (Proverb) The ability to “Realign Rigorously” is an important character trait. It can be measured. Assessment tools such as the MERIT Profile Assessment™ can assist in the process of measuring important character competencies. It’s all a matter of deciding that character is important.

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Dave

David Town, CHRP, is a facilitator and coach of leadership and management principles that enable individuals and organizations to build greater leadership competency, resulting in higher performance and higher employee engagement. David has a particular focus on effectively managing conversations involving confrontation or conflict. As well, he provides insights and assessment strategies for integrating character competencies into leadership skills resulting in increased trust and reduced risk for leaders. David is President of Your Leadership Matters Inc.