Facing Challenges

Driving home from work I began thinking about the challenges for leaders in the workplace seeking to lead change management. A tough economic climate causes a rethink in business focus. The pressures to make business efficiencies and drive business growth are a constant. The art of effective change management.

It made me think about my family’s relationship with our cat Marty.  Stick with me please! He joined us from a pet rescue centre. When we visited he had a lovely temperament and seemed comfortable in his familiar surroundings.  He mixing well with the other cats and seemed to get on well with all of our family. This made him a firm favourite. 

Creating The Conditions

A week later he joined the household. So, whilst we prepared a home for him and were ready to welcome him into our lives – he was terrified.  A mature cat in unfamiliar surroundings. His world was suddenly turned upside down. Everything had changed, and we set about helping him to adjust to his new world.

We did our best to allow him to get used to his space, and to each of us.  Building a trusting relationship with him and building a new routine were essential building blocks. Building upon positive experiences, we rewarded and supported him to help him find his feet.   Slowly he began to adjust to a different environment and become part of our family life.

Marty’s world had been turned upside down through no fault of his own. It reminded me of the experience that most of us are going through right now.

Leading change

People I talk with and those that I have coached in all circles of my life are having to think the unthinkable.  Some have lost their job; others are worried that they might be next to go.  Others are having to prepare to make some tough decisions that will affect the livelihood of other people.  They wanted help and support with approaches to change management. For some, this was the first time that they having to take decisions about service reductions and headcount reductions on this scale.

It is a really uncomfortable feeling for most, and one that they do not feel too well prepared to handle.  The late Sir John Whitmore, the renowned business and executive coach often talked about what Timothy Gallwey coined the ‘inner game’ The biggest driver for individuals not taking action is fear or self doubt.  The inner voice inside our head.

The Emotional Impact Of Change 

As a leader in the workplace, particularly in times of uncertainty, it is important to recognise and acknowledge this feeling in one’s self, and in others.  Learning to give support to those around you who will be experiencing the same emotions. 

The real challenge is that some people believe such feelings are a weakness and something to hide. The stakes rise particularly in times of pressure or insecurity.   It is better to acknowledge such feelings and seek to improve a sense of well being and personal performance.

The financial pressures facing businesses are almost certain to cause a radical review of the approach to the way that products and services are delivered. This requires a change in the way that organisations are structured. A likely move away from professional silos and towards a flatter hierarchy.

As leaders, it is critical to remain focused on providing an environment in which people feel able to do their best and feel supported  Even in difficult circumstances. Whilst this is likely to be a difficult leadership challenge it is one that must be grasped with both hands to enable effective change management.

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