You're navigating unexpected setbacks in a change project. How do you uphold credibility with your team?

This means providing clear and accurate information about the nature of the issue, its potential impact, and the steps being taken to address it. By acknowledging reality, you build trust and credibility, as the team sees that you are not hiding or downplaying problems. It also creates a foundation for collaborative problem-solving, as team members are fully aware of the circumstances and can contribute their insights and efforts towards finding solutions.

To uphold credibility during setbacks: - Communicate transparently by acknowledging issues, explaining causes, and sharing action plans. - Empathize by listening to concerns and offering support. -Maintain consistency between words and actions with regular updates and visible involvement. - Adapt by being flexible and engaging the team in problem-solving. - Treat setbacks as learning opportunities through after-action reviews and recognizing efforts. This approach builds trust, resilience, and a collaborative culture, ensuring effective navigation of challenges and reinforcing team cohesion and confidence.

Rückschl?ge passieren - auch und zwar sehr regelm??ig in Ver?nderungsprojekten. Hier ist es wichtig, diesen nicht unter den Teppich zu kehren oder zu verschleiern. Ehrliche und klare Kommunikation der Situation am besten versehen mit einem angepassten Fahrplan sorgen für ein sicheres Gefühl und Glaubwürdigkeit.

It includes regularly updating the team on the status of the project, especially during setbacks, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding challenges and next steps. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings, keeps the team informed and focused, and fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. It also involves actively listening to team members’ concerns and feedback, which reinforces a culture of openness and mutual respect.

It requires assessing the impact of setbacks, identifying alternative approaches, and reallocating resources to address new challenges effectively. This adaptability demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to achieving project objectives despite obstacles. Communicating these adjustments clearly to the team ensures everyone remains aligned and motivated, fostering a resilient and proactive team culture.

By soliciting their input, valuing their ideas, and leveraging their expertise, you foster a sense of ownership and collaboration within the team. This inclusive approach not only enhances morale and motivation but also taps into diverse perspectives that can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. Empowering participation builds trust, enhances team cohesion, and ensures that everyone is invested in the project's success.

By maintaining a positive attitude, showing resilience, and staying committed to the project's goals, you set a standard for others to follow. Your actions, such as handling setbacks with grace and proactively finding solutions, serve as a powerful model for your team. This approach builds respect, trust, and credibility, as team members are more likely to emulate and be inspired by a leader who practices what they preach.

In general, it’s best to start with a full expectation that delays and issues will occur. How you build flex and resilience into your governance, processes, team morale and capacity, and your stakeholder management and communications is critical. Knowing that there will be setbacks, you start from a place of being comfortable with non-linear, seemingly messy and ad hoc issues. Ensuring partners, sponsors, boards, executives, team members, customers etc are aware that there will be setbacks is crucial. And then you back that up with the clarity, purposefulness, planning, project management, innovative problem solving and risk management skills that set you apart as a change leaders.

By reiterating the purpose and potential impact of the project, you help maintain focus and motivation. This reinforces the significance of their efforts and encourages perseverance despite challenges. Reaffirming the vision also aligns the team’s efforts with the broader objectives, ensuring that everyone remains committed to the shared goals and understands the value of overcoming obstacles together.