Corporate change may involve new products, new markets or a new company image. It may pertain to expansion or downsizing, or be as basic as upgrading policies, procedures or systems. Regardless, a successful change agent knows that many people resist or distrust change, and they need encouragement throughout the process.
This calls for the leader to have an optimistic outlook and view change as an opportunity. After all, if the leader doubts the process, how can their people have confidence in it? A positive mindset at the upper management level is most powerful when it is spread throughout the organization. In the organizations where I consult, leaders who behave confidently through change initiatives have the greatest influence on success.
As Robbie Abed wrote in Inc. Magazine, it is imperative for leaders to embrace change rather than fear it. It is, after all, your program, authorized by you, so fear needs to be eliminated from your behavior from the outset. Your courage must be contagious, especially when setbacks occur. A committed and confident leader calms everyone’s nerves and keeps them forging ahead.
The optimistic leader keeps negative emotions in check. While undergoing change, people need a steady rock, a beacon of light to feel safe and secure. Let them see you in that role.
Share Your Optimism
Part of this approach is communicating your trust and confidence in others. Empower them to contribute input and ideas. They are, after all, the experts in the detailed operations within your organization.
Solicit engagement in crafting solutions and revisions to the plan. Demonstrate that they are trusted, valued and a critical part of implementing the change. This helps to boost optimism and buy-in.
Another way optimism is conveyed is the rejection of the status quo. This requires a certain amount of sensitivity and finesse, as well as enthusiasm. Yes, implementing change can require more hard work, but, the benefits are worth it. As a successful change agent, let your people know that they deserve better than “good-enough”.
What do you think? What has been your experience as a change agent? You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here, or on LinkedIn.
