In a recent interview with Julian Roberts on his podcast, ‘Helping Organisations Thrive’, I discussed the challenges of leadership during times of change.
Julian and I talked at length about the importance of resilience, trust, and authentic leadership when leading through upheaval. It’s full of actionable insights, and you should definitely give it a listen.
On the topic of authenticity, let's delve into the key traits and characteristics that allow successful leaders to weather any storm.
Authenticity is Key
One of the key traits that defines a successful leader is authenticity. Authentic leaders are true to themselves and others, which fosters trust and transparency within their teams. Leading authentically means being genuine, self-aware, and leading with integrity. In turbulent times, that authenticity can serve as an anchor, providing stability and reassurance to anyone navigating uncertain waters.
Why Good Leadership Matters
Leading your people well during times of change is essential because it builds trust and strengthens relationships within the team. When leaders are authentic, it allows team members to feel more comfortable expressing their concerns, ideas, and feedback.
This open dialogue empowers the team to adapt more effectively, creating a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Authentic Tips for Authentic Leaders
1. Be Transparent: Communicate openly about any upcoming change, the reasons behind it, and the potential impact on the team.
2. Embrace Vulnerability: Share your own experiences and challenges to demonstrate empathy and relatability.
3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create opportunities for team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
4. Lead with Integrity: Stay true to your values and lead by example, demonstrating honesty and ethical behaviour.
Reassuring Teams About Upcoming Change
When faced with external challenges, Leaders can reassure their teams by taking deliberate
steps to address concerns and foster a sense of stability. Here are some strategies to help achieve that:
• Provide Clarity: Clearly outline the goals and vision behind the change to help employees understand the purpose and direction.
• Offer Support: Assure team members that the organisation is committed to supporting them through the transition and beyond.
• Acknowledge Concerns: Validate any concerns or fears that team members may have about the impending changes and provide avenues for addressing them.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognise and celebrate small milestones and successes achieved throughout the change process to boost morale and motivation.
Balance Decisiveness with Active Listening
Effective leaders must strike a balance between being decisive in driving change and being open to the advice of others.
Make informed decisions by gathering input from your team and other stakeholders. Where you can, create opportunities for open dialogue and actively listen to the perspectives and insights of your people. You’ll probably have a great idea of who your experts are on any given topic.
Managing change within an organisation can be a great opportunity to employ that expertise., Where feasible, delegate responsibilities and empower your people to take ownership of specific aspects of the process. It’s great for them professionally, and it allows you to take a more holistic view of the situation.
Actionable steps
Here are some ways to become a more effective, change-ready leader:
1. Cultivate Self-Awareness: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style to better understand your impact on others.
2. Foster a Culture of Adaptability: Encourage a growth mindset and resilience within your team to embrace progress and overcome teething troubles.
3. Prioritise Communication: Keep channels of communication open and transparent to ensure that information flows effectively.
4. Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open-minded, seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth. Keep ahead of the curve.
Final thoughts…
Leadership during times of upheaval requires a blend of authenticity, empathy, and decisiveness. By leading authentically, reassuring teams, and balancing decisiveness with listening, you can overcome any problem. Try and see the potential in dynamic, evolving situations and use them as a catalyst for your team to gain new skills and personal attributes.
With the right mindset and attitude, you can drive positive transformations, add value to the workplace, and get the most out of your people.
The PIVOT Leadership Podcast launched on 15th June, where I uncover the elements that underpin strong leaders with a series of expert guests.
Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn to stay up to date with each episode – this podcast is not to be missed!
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