The only person that I can change is ME! And try as they may, others cannot make me change if I don’t make that decision myself.
For leaders, this is a critical thing to understand because in their capacity ,they are responsible for guiding others through a rapidly changing world.
I believe effective management of change begins with an authentic and compelling vision and clear values for whatever the organization/endeavor. Values & vision are part of the recruitment/hiring process where staff is on board with the direction and purpose of the company from the beginning.
Vision and values are part of performance discussions, are integral components of meetings , drive the budget vs numbers and metrics driving vision/values/purpose.
People are more apt to be on board with change if they are connected to the values and the vision. If there is a big disconnect(ie they are there for the money for instance), resistance to change will be elevated.
I have an anecdote that I speak to, to help leaders with change; “Change, & Kindegarten”…Go to youtube/liftoffleadership and you will find it.
Change isn’t going away; the more leaders accept it and learn to deal effectively and proactively with it, the more effective and vital our organizations will be!
Posts Tagged ‘The character & Conduct of Leaders’
Change & Kindegarten
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010Attention all Leaders Watch this video
Monday, August 16th, 2010Imagine Leadership Video http://www.youtube.com/user/xplanevisualthinking#p/u/3/TuuTlQ0FzEU
LiftOFF’s RESPONSE to Why Management must be a Profession by Rakesh Khurana
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010Hi Rakesh
I could not agree with you more. I have been a leader for 35+years and have personally witnessed a steady decline in public trust and confidence in leadership in general. If measured by the consistent reports of leadership fraud, self interest and general unethical behavior/ decisions on the part of so many leaders, this trend does not look like it will be reversed unless efforts are made to address these issues and seek solutions.
I agree that one solution is to make leadership a profession. My father was a DR. and so proud of the Hippocratic Oath; it truly guided his actions.
It looks like it’s time to have something similiar for leaders ; not just the oaths floating around(a good start) but a consolidated profession inclusive of an oath that is incorporated into all MBA programs and a well conceptualized and developed, collaborative professional leadership designation.
It’s time.
On another note I have a book coming out next spring called “LiftOFF Leadership”(Beaufort Books) that is my effort to elevate the leadership ranks. It reminds leaders of their influence on and responsibility to those that work for them,their organizations and communities. It calls for a return to fundamental values(such as Integrity/Accountability…)and allows the reader to reflect on ,identify and assess themselves on core values.
The book is just one medium for my commitment to bringing the leadership”profession” back towards being respected and trusted.
I think the task would be enhanced if leadership actually was a profession.
In conclusion if there are plans in the works to actually make this a reality I would like to contribute.
With kind regards,
Betty Shotton
www.liftoffleadership.com
www.liftoffleadership.com/blog
facebook/liftoffleadership
Commitment; An Essential Component to Great Leadership
Sunday, July 11th, 2010
The attached video is a quick reminder of how important it is to know where you are going and what you are up to…know and be clear about your commitments. If you just work hard and keep working, working, working without a clear sense of what is important to you and why you are doing what you are doing, then you will be easily detoured and also susceptible to burn out.
For example if you are leading a significant re-organization and are challenged by the chaos of change and the challenges of the never ending emotional issues involved in the human side of the equation, being clear about your overarching commitment will keep you focused…what is it? A vibrant and sustainable future for the organization? A promotion and upward trajectory of you leadership path? Keeping your commitments in front of you helps keep you on track and brings meaning and purpose to your endeavors. Meaning is, in and of itself inspiring and will keep you and your leadership vital and vibrant.
What are your major commitments..personal and career?
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