Facilitating Change: How COVID Recovery Is An Opportunity For Leaders
We’ve never needed change management skills like we do now. For years, we’ve talked of a VUCA world, the gig economy, the new world of work. And the need to remain relevant through modern and effective workplace change was real. But it was never more real than when COVID hit us early this year. As we face the future, still a little uncertain, we know it’s time to lift our game. Because there is a lot at stake if we don’t get this next part right. It all comes down to change management. And not just working through an academic change model from the latest Amazon online leadership book. But by facilitating effective change, tapping into some key leadership skills, and sharpening how we lead. So here’s my take on the skills our leaders will need, in addition to understanding what effective facilitation, and effective change, looks like.
Adaptability, with added flexibility
A ‘Bend it like Beckham’ mindset is required right now. If we stick our heads in the sand or wait for the change to happen around us, we’ll not only have missed the mark but the great opportunity that lies ahead of us. And for the eternal pessimist leader, it’s time to shake that off for a dose of optimism and active energy. Leaders will not only need to be creative in how they move forward, because right now there is no ‘right way’ that guarantees anything, but will need to avoid the temptation to ‘stick with a decision’ in an attempt to appear ‘right’. That’s just arrogant. Leaders will need to be mentally ready to change course if the situation requires, regardless of the decisions made just yesterday. Adaptability in the face of uncertainty is critical because it allows us to see the possibilities in unanticipated change. The best news is that we can cultivate adaptability. The world has just shown us this. Millions of children, parents, employees, CEOs and small business owners have shown exactly how perfectly adaptable they can be. Sure, it was forced adaptability, but we adapted and adapted well.
Humility, to foster trust and collaboration
Leading with humility might sound contradictory, but in the right context it can be an empowering leadership style. The context of our world has changed considerably in 2020 and leaders are being asked to react and lead through unusual circumstances, where no rule book exists and previous experience provides little direction. In the modern workplace context, humility enables leaders to foster a high level of transparency, trust and collaboration. One of the biggest mistakes leaders can make is to pretend to have all the answers. Managing our own ego is a hugely beneficial leadership trait right now, one that requires leaders to manage the mind through calm, considered and agile collective decision making. Finding an emotional balance between connection and direction is key. The simple response of “I don’t know, but I will come back to you” will reap great reward.
Fact based communication, for authenticity
In any crisis, our communication style is central to the way things will unfold within the immediate environment. Get it right, and you’ll be hailed a hero. Get it wrong and it’ll be costly. We just need to look at the behaviour and communication styles of our elected politicians to understand this. Much depends on the leaders’ ability to function as an authentic and trusted communicator providing consistent and reliable fact based information. Leaders need to bring to the table comprehensive and cohesive engagement and communication strategies.
Leaders should carefully consider what is required of them in this next phase. Facilitation of the journey is critical to successful outcomes – at an organizational, department, team and individual level. These key ingredients will help bring teams together, build trust and empathy, and create kindness and connection. And reduce workplace anxiety, perhaps one of the greatest ongoing challenges facing us. It’s your time to stand up and shine. With self-awareness, reflection and, probably, some hard ‘self’ work.
About the Author
Ainsley Jeffery is founder and CEO of Facilitatr. She’s a team strategist and people geek, sought-after facilitator, coach and change manager, health advocate and closet creative.