Are change matters different in the International organisation arena?

When tackling a transformational passage in an international organisation a change leader might face resistance but also a baggage of frustration with... bureaucracy.

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Bureaucracy has bad press. It sometimes appears cumbersome and even inefficient. An excess of rules and regulations slows down and generates anguish. On the other hand, it is also relevant to improve the organisation and reach the expected global objectives. To become a common aim for all, a social justice-linked change program ought, therefore, to be well explained and understood.

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In the process, stakeholders may indeed feel criticised, even excluded. To remedy this, space needs to be created where substantial improvements to the original plan may be made. A place where people can speak freely to maximise the benefits and minimise the possible negative environment. This is part of a positive leader’s responsibility from the very beginning along with a vision to build up the transformation process. This encouragement allows ideas to grow and it increases collective knowledge.

To become visible, resistance needs to be set in light. Such forces want to be expressed and feel when they have a place to speak within a structure where new ideas can be heard. Ideas are seeds and are part of the novelty. Without this open culture, it is difficult to achieve any of the institution’s goals.

As Roberto Villamil Alvarez, Principal Officer, Relations and Technical Cooperation with Latina America at the International Labour Organization (ILO) of the United Nations, explains in our virtual summit discussion*: “As the saying goes, our best ideas come from other people most of the time, as long as there is an open structure to bring new ideas.” Change matters even more when we have shared our resistance and our frustrations.

*If you recognise yourself in this portrait of an international leader, you might enjoy my recent discussion with Roberto Villamil Alvarez, Sr. Specialist at the ILO of the United Nations. https://youtu.be/87uy1I58kOs