The Invisible Revolution: Transforming in the Shadows
Alyssa Nolte
Predicting Your Customer's Next Move | Notorious Plant Killer | CEO of TruVue
"True transformation happens in the dark."
It's a thought that's been circling my mind, especially when I consider the usual approach to change management in our workplaces. Often, we focus on the big, attention-grabbing initiatives — the awards, the splashy campaigns, the bold programs. These elements have their place, sure, but they skim only the surface of genuine, lasting change.
Real, enduring transformation unfolds away from the spotlight. It's what your team does when they believe no one is watching. It's about the values and habits that stick even without the glimmer of external validation. This kind of deep-seated change is about embedding a culture that stands the test of time, beyond the fleeting excitement of new initiatives.
Spend a bit of time with me and you’ll probably hear me lobby you to watch Ted Lasso on AppleTV+. My sister-in-law basically forced us to watch Ted Lasso about a year ago. I was skeptical, it’s a sports show after all! And I’ve already given away my penchant for cheesy or political dramas.
But, she was 100% right and it’s been a favorite ever since. I never thought a show about sports would make me laugh, cry and feel as deeply as that show does. I told someone once that the first time you watch the show... It's entertainment. The second time, it's education.
On its face, it's a story about an American football coach navigating the world of English soccer. But dig a little deeper, and it's a treasure trove of insights into leadership, team building, and the true essence of coaching. One exchange that stood out to me recently involves Ted agreeing with his son that he doesn't do much during the games. His job, he explains, is to hope that his coaching has taken root, that his team knows what to do. This scene captures the heart of what leadership is about: it's the work done in the shadows, the training and the culture-building, that prepares the team to shine when it counts, without needing someone to tell them what to do and when to do it.
While spotlights and holding feet to the fire can kickstart change, the real challenge lies in sustaining those high standards and that drive for excellence long after the initial scrutiny fades. As leaders, our role is to guide our teams past this point, to a place where excellence is not an exception but the norm, no rewards or punishments necessary.
To guide your team through the unseen journey of transformation—where real growth occurs beyond the glimmer of recognition and accolades—consider these tailored, practical strategies:
Lead with Curiosity, Not Judgment
Shift from a mindset of micromanagement to one of curiosity. Instead of dictating every step, ask open-ended questions that encourage your team members to think critically and explore new solutions on their own. For instance, when faced with a challenge, instead of offering an immediate solution, pose a question like, “What are some ways we could approach this differently?”
Embed Reflection in Routine
Make reflection an integral part of your team's workflow. Encourage your team to regularly set aside time to reflect on their successes, challenges, and the lessons learned. This could be through a weekly 15-minute solo reflection exercise, a monthly team retrospective, or even through maintaining a team journal. The key is to make this practice consistent and embedded in your routine, ensuring it becomes a natural part of your team’s rhythm.
Champion Personal Projects
Encourage each team member to undertake a personal project related to their interests within the broader scope of the team's goals. These projects should allow them to explore new ideas, skills, or innovations that they’re passionate about. By allocating a small percentage of their working hours to these projects, you're not only signaling trust in their professional development but also nurturing a sense of ownership and creativity.
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Through these approaches, we guide our teams through the unseen, the quiet efforts and the incremental steps that forge a path of true transformation. In doing so, we not only navigate past the initial allure of the spotlight but also cultivate a culture where excellence, innovation, and resilience are the norm, thriving in the richness of the shadows where real growth occurs.
Taking Back Monday can be heard wherever great podcasts are found.
Links:
? Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/.../f6722ee8.../taking-back-monday
? Podcast page with all the platforms: https://takingbackmonday.buzzsprout.com/share
If you know someone who should be a guest, please send them this link: https://alyssanolte.com/podcast/guest/
It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.
Global Sales Enablement, Program Manager
11 个月Insightful... as always! :-)