If the last few years have taught us anything, the world is unpredictable, and we must learn to roll with the punches. Change is the master, and we are its apprentices.
So why does it seem like certain people respond and go through change better than others? Because they have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities they need to lead and get through the change.
These skills and abilities are things everyone can learn and practice.
A reminder: Everyone can be a leader, regardless of your job title. Having the job title doesn’t make you a leader. Leadership is a mindset not a function. I’ve worked with CEOs that aren’t great leaders, and administrative professionals that are!
BE AN APPRENTICE TO CHANGE!
When it comes to change, the first thing to understand is that no matter how accomplished we are, or how much we have learned, or how long we have been in a leadership role, we are not masters of change.
Change requires us to expand the vision of who we are and what our teams and organizations can do. To lead through change, we ask the question, If I’m willing to let go of the reality that is predictable, what is possible in the unknown?
Change has many lessons to teach, and when we try to ignore them, we miss out on the chance to grow and become better leaders. When we embrace change as an opportunity to see things differently and reach different outcomes, we build different qualities, skills, and practices. I know this can be difficult at times, but your willingness to be an apprentice to change will greatly strengthen your capacity to lead through change.
#1: Start with the Right Mindset (The MOST IMPORTANT #1 THING EVER TO DO!!)
Our mindset is not a ‘new age’ concept. Mindset is a collection of neurons in the prefrontal cortex of your brain that helps you problem solve and decision make throughout the day. If we program our mindset correctly, it will respond efficiently.
Here’s a simple example. When you get up in the morning, and it’s raining, do you say, “It’s a lousy day,” or do you say, “It’s a wet day”?
Saying it’s a wet day, isn’t putting a positive spin on what you may perceive as a bad situation. It is removing the emotion from your description.
If you say “it’s a lousy day’, your brain will be programmed towards a negative reality.
Conversely, if you get up and say, “it’s a wet day,” your brain is programmed more efficiently and positively. It doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen during the day. However, it does mean you’ll be in a better mindset to handle them.
This is an essential difference because when you set your mindset and beliefs about a topic in advance, your behaviour and actions will follow.
Negative thought patterns are normal and even natural during change. IRecognize when negativity is creeping in, so you can address those thoughts and move on from them.
Let your confidence come not from knowing exactly what will happen next, but rather from believing in your ability to handle it no matter what.
#2: Accept that You Won’t Have All the Answers
No one can predict the future; you can navigate change, but you cannot control it.
One thing I’ve had to learn, and my guess is you may too; you need to be at peace with the fact that you can’t remove everyone’s problems or make their lives less busy, complex, smoother, etc. etc.
What you can do most of the time is to listen to their issues and acknowledge them.
Lisetning and a cknowledging issues will move people down the path of change often as much as problem-solving.
I used to have three questions on my wall to guide discussions when people came into my office.
- Do you want me to solve it?
- Do you want me to help you solve it?
- Do you want me just to listen?
What do you think I wanted to do? Solve it!
What do you think my colleagues wanted me to do most of the time?
Listen!
#3: Make Decisions Even Without all the Information
It’s easy to become paralyzed by uncertainty because you may feel you don’t have all the answers. As an apprentice to change, you may not always have the expertise or knowledge to deal with a particular situation, yet you need to make decisions, step up and take action frequently.
This can be difficult, as you may be waiting for all the information to make the best decision possible. Use your professional judgment. Narrow your focus. You have to take calculated risks and gather the best data available to you to move forward.
#4: Build New ‘Human’ Resource Capabilities
The qualities that make a good apprentice are solid ‘human’ resources to have in any workplace.
Human resource qualities, including compassion and empathy, are key to successfully leading change, as change impacts everyone in the organization.
Getting into the mind of the other person, helps you understand the role change will have on each individual.
Apprentices are also naturally curious and want to explore the world around them.
Their strength comes not from knowing exactly what to do, but being willing to gather diverse opinions from those around them to find the best solution.
Each change situation requires our presence, our wisdom, and discernment to create the magic of change we know is possible.
#5: Lead Alongside Your Team
Sometimes leaders are in the front of the team, pulling them to the vision; other times, they are the quiet bulldozer guide at the back.
During change, most of us lead alongside our team. You are experiencing the change at the same time. You are an apprentice to change, and they are as well; just in different roles.
Leading alongside your team, puts you in the mindset that we are all in this together (It removes the pressure to have all the answers, as I mentioned above.
When you lead alongside your team, it allows you to show your humanness AND vulnerability about the situation, share your concerns and issues with them. which in turn builds trust.
We are all apprentices to change. We know that no situation requires the same approach. Pick one of the tips above and start practicing it!
It’s the magic of small, daily changes done on a consistent basis that will make the most significant difference to the quality of your work and life.