By Safe Call Now's Steve Gutzler |
Former President Woodrow
Wilson said, "If you want to make enemies, change something." Few of
us, if we are honest, welcome change. I used to think leaders welcomed change
and followers didn't, but the truth is people don't like change, especially
first responders.
Not all change is good. It
takes thought and wisdom to select the right change personally and
professionally. The good news is, the right change can lead to growth and
breakthrough.
I'd like to offer four
keys on how to lead change:
1. Don't make cosmetic
change, get to the core –
Always ask
yourself, what or who is at the core the core that needs to be
changed? A surface level change can cause pain and disruption.
Cosmetic changes only delay growth and positive results.
For example, I just arrived
back from Washington DC where I spent time with the president of a dynamic and
growing company I'll be working with. They
recently noticed long-standing employees leaving. Upon exit
interviews they discovered an erosion of company morale and values.
Instead of making surface
level changes, they surveyed their staff and are now aggressively making
the proactive change to renew the culture, morale, and personal
development of each team member. They are doubling down on investing in their
team – that's called transformational change. Positive change. The right
change.
2. Focus forward, let
go of the past –
The death of any organization
is six words, "We've always
done it that way." To go up, clean up. Let go of yesterday's failures
and successes. Focus 100% of your energy on today. Focus forward and don't be
afraid of making positive changes that release new ideas, new innovations, new
team members, new ways that allow a stream-lined approach.
Work smarter not
harder. Here is a revolutionary change you may consider: it
may be time to change the way we work. According to the 2013 study by
the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Greece
is #1 in terms of hours worked, Poland #2, Hungary #3. Their productivity,
# 18, #24, #25, respectively. Working fewer but more focused hours Dutch
#1, Germans #2, and Norwegians #3… #4, #7, and #1 in productivity,
respectively.
Allowing for quality breaks,
workouts, and life-balance actually increases productivity up to 27%. That
is powerful change, smart change, healthy change for sustainable growth and
well-being!
3. Create a
conversation about change –
Years ago, if I announced to
my children: "Hey kids, we're moving to Montana. Open space, lakes, trees,
mountains, pack it up... it will be great!" Knowing my kids, they would've
said "Bye Dad!"
Leading a team is like
leading a family. Be respectful with change. Rather
than announce big change, create a conversation. Involve others and you'll
receive the benefit of positive cooperation that leads to new momentum.
4. Don't just believe
in change, believe in your people
People are open and willing
to change if you show them your belief in their abilities. People will always
rise to our expectations and belief in them! You can energize your
organization by energizing your people around the right change.
Here's to creating positive change!
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