Changing Fear of Change into Fearless Change
Jethro Marsh MAICD
Growth Focussed General Manager | Commercial and Marketing Strategy | Experienced Strategic and Commercial Leader | MBA | MAICD
Let's be honest, change can be terrifying. The only constant might be change...but it can still be daunting.
Regardless, it is also at the bleeding edge of change that you find the catalyst for growth and innovation!
Here are a few thoughts on how you can turn fear into opportunity for your team:
Communicate Transparently: As much as you can, within confidentiality...share the vision and reasons behind the change. Clear communication builds trust and aligns everyone with the new direction. But remember you have every right to expect that same transparent openness back!
Involve the Team: Engage team members in the change process. Their input and participation can help to remove the anxiety and foster a sense of ownership throughout your organisation, that good old "bottom up" transformation. Again, you have every right to expect engagement - that involving the team has to be within the parameters of what the business can do, and needs.
领英推荐
Provide Support: Help to bring the team on the journey, and offer training and resources to help your team to adapt. The right support can turn uncertainty into confidence; and with the openness you are all sharing, and the involvement that has just brought your team together, it has got to work!
Celebrate Small Wins: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step - so make sure you take note and celebrate that step, and the one afterwards! Recognise and celebrate milestones during the transition. Celebrations can boost your team's engagement, reinforce positive attitudes towards change, and just as importantly, can help keep their engagement on track.
Lead by Example: This is more than just what you as a leader can do, because leadership isn't management or position. Every member of the team can help the transformation by leading by example; everyone should show their enthusiasm and adaptability. Every individual's attitude can inspire and motivate others throughout the team to embrace the new direction.
Remember, change is an opportunity to innovate and grow, and it's that opportunity for everyone. So, with the steps above, you and your team can embrace it, guide and support each other through it, and celebrate - celebrate the journey and the wins at the end!
#Leadership #ChangeManagement #TeamSuccess #Innovation #Growth