Holding Out for a Hero: 4 Mandates of a Heroic Change Leader
Reflecting on the past month, it’s hard to fully articulate and comprehend how much the world has changed. The way we communicate, the environments in which we work, our interactions with others – very little is the same as it was at the start of 2020. And it’s safe to assume changes will continue as we adapt to the “new normal” of a world that has collectively experienced a pandemic together.
In times like these, people want and need leaders to step up and help them adapt. But what makes some leaders successful and causes others to fail?
In my work around change, I have found that true change leaders, the ones who stand head and shoulders above the rest, are those who are passionate, confident, and committed to seeing an initiative through to the end. My research has shown there are 4 common characteristics I have found to be true of the most successful change leaders. Effective leaders must adhere to the following mandates:
Be Unrelenting – You must be unrelenting in your pursuit of transformation and communication around the change. When you feel you have communicated enough, it’s time to communicate again. People are looking to the change leader as the one with the knowledge to help them stay informed and guide them in the right direction. As that individual, you need to be willing to communicate, communicate, communicate to let people know that you’re not going to back down and that you’re there for them along the way.
Be Unwavering – You can’t afford to get wobbly in your commitment to change. If you do, it will undermine everything you’ve set out to achieve. While there are circumstances that cause a change in direction, the ultimate goal should remain steadfast and consistent. You can adjust your plan or approach because it’s the intelligent thing to do if circumstances shift, but not because you lack courage or commitment.
Be Undeterred – You will face obstacles, people, and situations that distract you or tempt you to reprioritize. That’s when you truly need to double down and keep moving forward. You can’t let the weight of the change, or resistance from others, make you second-guess your priorities. You must stay on track, stick with it, overcome those obstacles, and keep moving forward. Stay focused and keep your eye on the prize.
Be Unafraid – With every change there comes some level of risk – although many times, the greater risk is in maintaining the status quo. Leading change requires tireless effort and the courage to see the change through to completion. You must have courage as you carry out your change plan in the face of adversity, courage to follow through with what you’re convinced is necessary to take the organization where it needs to go, and courage to keep going when you falter or your energy wanes. When things start to get tough and the apparent risks are heightened, you can’t back down.
If you do not adopt these 4 mandates, those you’re trying to lead will sniff out your lack of conviction and your initiative will be dead in the water. Effectively managing change, and doing it quickly, begins with you, the change leader, and your mindset. Take the time to examine and confront the reality of your current situation. How can you adopt the characteristics of a great change leader to help your people and your organization overcome the challenge they are facing?
People are looking to you as an example of how to effectively evolve. As you sort out which changes you’ve made that are temporary, due to COVID-19, and which changes may become more permanent, your example may be even more critical. By following these mandates, you can become your team’s hero in the face of change, and you can guide them through the challenge. The result? A team that is more resilient, confident, and ready to embrace future change – with velocity.