Managing Change in Leadership

Enjoy this excerpt from an article by leadership expert, Phillip Van Hooser from Tips from Transformational Impact.

Successful leadership in the midst of chaotic change requires a mind shift. Traditional leadership has the mindset that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." A transformational leadership approach says, "It's already broken, or it's going to break. How can we seize the opportunities we have now to make it better?"

Managing change with this transformational mind set requires that leaders know what they are up against. There are some critical truths about change that need to recognized before getting a firm grasp on any changing situation.

Truth # 1: Change is inevitable - it's going to happen. The question for leaders is - will you see it coming? What steps are you implementing to survey the changes in your industry? Have you developed plans for innovation and contingencies? If not, why not? Transformational leaders are visionary.

Truth # 2: Change impacts everyone, at some point, at some time. We don't live and work in a vacuum. And unfortunately, we are sometimes innocent bystanders who get caught in the groundswell of change. Consider, for example, the honest owner of the auto dealership whose livelihood is cut off as a result of the disassembling of Chrysler and General Motors. Transformational leaders understand the ripple effect of change and realize their organization can be impacted by the decisions of others.

Truth # 3: Change is most challenging for those who are most comfortable. Traditional leadership thinks: "I like the way it's always been done." "Why worry about what MIGHT happen?" "Business seems to be going nicely, why mess with a good thing?" Transformational leadership says: "We must innovate or fall behind." "What can we change that will take our processes, products and people to the next level?"

Truth # 4: If leaders wait until everyone realizes change is necessary, it is often too late to manage the situation successfully. Successful leaders must accept the responsibility for setting the vision and direction of their organization. That includes accepting the responsibility to make difficult decisions in a timely manner.

Truth # 5: Most often, change is a result of force, not choice. Again, the U.S. auto industry is a classic example. Transformational leaders have the mind set to change voluntarily. They seek out the parts of their organization - and themselves – that need improvement and implement the change before that change is forced upon them.

Truth # 6: When change occurs, new problems and new opportunities are always created. Yes, managing change is a huge headache. It is also a huge oyster filled with opportunities never before available. The need to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil coupled with the restructuring of the U.S. auto industry has spawned an explosion of new "green" technologies. Transformational leaders understand the value of seeking out and maximizing the opportunities that exist each time something changes.

Phillip Van Hooser from Tips for Transformational IMPACT

To lead is to serve,

Coach Carolyn

Give Yourself Away

As a team leader, how do you cultivate an attitude of selflessness? Begin by doing the following:

1. Being generous: If team members are willing to give of themselves generously to the team, then it is being set up to succeed.

2. Avoiding internal politics: Good team players worry about the benefit of their teammates more than themselves.

3. Displaying loyalty: If you show the people on your team loyalty, they will return loyalty in kind. Loyalty fosters unity, and unity breeds team success.

4. Valuing interdependence more than independence: In the United States, we value independence highly, because it is often accompanied by innovation, hard work, and a willingness to stand for what's right. But independence taken too far is a characteristic of selfishness, especially if it begins to harm or hinder others. Seneca stated, "You must live for others if you wish to live for yourself."

From The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by Dr. John Maxwell.

To lead is to serve,

Coach Carolyn

Leadership Question of the Week

“I have thoughts, but I am not my thoughts,
I will not be taken by my thoughts.
I have feelings, but I am not my feelings,
I will not be taken by my feelings.
I have a body, but I am not my body,
I will not be taken by my body.
I have a business, but I am not my business,
I will not be taken by my business.
Then, who am I?"
~ Michael Gerber

Have you truly evolved your thinking and belief systems to reflect the current times?

To lead is to serve,
Coach Carolyn

The Voice of Leadership

Where does a leader's vision come from? To find your vision, you must listen to:

The Inner Voice: Vision starts within. Do you know what your life's mission is? If what you're pursuing in life doesn't come from the depths of who you are and what you believe, you will not be able to accomplish it.

The Unhappy Voice: Where does inspiration for great ideas come from? From noticing what doesn't work. Discontent with the status quo is a great catalyst for vision. No great leader in history has fought to prevent change.

The Successful Voice: Nobody can accomplish great things alone. If you want to lead others to greatness, find a good mentor, an advisor who can help you sharpen your vision.

The Higher Voice: Don't let your vision be confined by your own limited capabilities. A truly valuable vision must have God in it. Only He knows what you're really capable of. Have you looked beyond yourself, even beyond your own lifetime as you've sought your vision? If not, you may be missing the true potential of your life.

From The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by Dr. John Maxwell.

To lead is to serve,

Coach Carolyn

Leadership Question of the Month

"All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership." ~ John Kenneth Galbraith

What is your biggest limitation to personal and professional success?

How will you overcome this and transform it as an opportunity?

To lead is to serve,

Coach Carolyn

Why Worry?

A great article by motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar. Enjoy!

Worry has been described as “interest paid on trouble before it comes due.” One of America’s worst enemies is worry. Worry is like a rocking chair, it requires a lot of energy and it gets you nowhere. Leo Buscaglia said, “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

Question: Are you a worrier? Americans take more pills to forget more worries about more things than ever before and more than any other nation in history. That’s bad. According to Dr. Charles Mayo, “Worry affects the circulation and the whole nervous system. I’ve never known a man who died from overwork, but I’ve known many who have died from doubt.” Doubt always creates worry and, in most cases, lack of information raises the doubt.

Mathematically speaking, it really doesn’t make sense to worry. Psychologists and much research tells us that roughly 40% of what we worry about will never happen and 30% has already happened. Additionally, 12% of our worries are over unfounded health concerns. Another 10% of our worries involve the daily miscellaneous fretting that accomplishes nothing. That leaves only 8%. Plainly speaking, Americans are worrying 92% of the time for no good reason and if Dr. Mayo is right, it’s killing us.

One simple solution that will reduce your worry is this: Don’t worry about what you can’t change. Example: For a number of years I’ve flown in excess of 200,000 miles a year. On occasion, flights are canceled or delayed. As I write this article, I’m sitting on the runway waiting for my gate to clear. If I worry or get angry it will change nothing. If I take constructive action and finish this article, I’m ahead of the game. That’s a positive way to use the energy that would have been wasted on anger, frustration, or worrying.

The message is clear: If you don’t like your situation in life, don’t fret or worry - do something about it. Worry less, act more, and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!


Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.

Also, check out the new blog Ziglar Pure and Simple by son, Tom Ziglar.

To lead is to serve,
Coach Carolyn

Celebrate! Happy 4th!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Stay safe and blessed,

Coach Carolyn