When a headline reads “Director removed after staff complaints,” it’s natural to feel a ripple of concern. What’s really going in our organizations? And what does it mean for leaders like you?
Beyond the Headlines
The story itself is straightforward: A museum director was removed following concerns about their behavior and treatment of staff. Trust had eroded, credibility was lost, and their continued leadership became impossible.
But this isn’t simply another tale of an ineffective leader hitting a wall. I suspect that the reality is far more nuanced – and thus far more instructive for those of us committed to developing strong organizations.
The Real Leadership Challenge
You’ve likely encountered leaders who struggled to find their footing. Perhaps they managed you, or were your peers. Maybe you’ve even had moments wondering if your own team sees you through a similar lens.
Here’s what I’ve learned from 35 years of witnessing organizational change: When leaders struggle, it’s rarely about individual failings. Instead, it often has a lot to do with the conditions we create – or fail to create – for their success.
Core Truth: Everyone is doing the best they can, given the conditions.
This insight, which I gained during my training as a Gestalt change practitioner, transforms how we approach leadership development. It shifts our focus from judgment to opportunity: If someone’s “best” isn’t meeting expectations, what conditions need to change?
The Five Enablers of Leadership Success
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RECRUITMENT
The Big Question: Are we setting up new leaders for realistic success?
- Is the role scope achievable by one person?
- Have we learned from previous leaders’ experiences?
- Does our timeline allow for growth into the role?
- Are our expectations aligned with experience level?
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ONBOARDING
The Big Question: How do we help leaders find solid ground?
- Who will guide them through the transition?
- Which relationships are critical to early success?
- How will they assess their starting point?
- What early wins can we help them identify?
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MANDATE
The Big Question: Have we defined their focus with sufficient clarity?
Is this leader stepping into:
- A startup situation, launching something new?
- A turnaround requiring course correction?
- An acceleration of growth?
- A realignment of a struggling organization?
- A sustaining role maintaining excellence?
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FEEDBACK
The Big Question: How do we ensure continuous learning?
- What’s our rhythm for progress reviews?
- Which metrics matter most?
- How do we gather diverse perspectives?
- How do we foster curiosity rather than defensiveness?
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DEVELOPMENT
The Big Question: What support systems enable growth?
- Is coaching available and encouraged?
- How do we attend to team dynamics?
- What peer networks can we facilitate?
- Which resources are readily accessible?
Creating Momentum
No single action creates transformative change by itself. The magic happens when these enablers work in concert, creating conditions where leaders can truly thrive.
The most impactful leaders I’ve observed understand this deeply. They know that lasting change doesn’t come from force of personality – it comes from creating environments where everyone can do their best work.
Your Next Steps
Take a moment to reflect:
- Which of these enablers is strongest in your organization?
- Where do you see the greatest opportunity for improvement?
- What one condition could you begin strengthening this week?
Remember: Your role isn’t just to lead – it’s to create conditions where leadership can flourish at every level.
Wishing you wisdom and courage in your journey,
UPCOMING EVENTS
Preparing For the New Year: A Workshop for Change Leaders
Are you ready to lead transformative change in 2025? Like any crucial journey, successful leadership requires essential tools – your map and compass through times of change. But in today’s environment of constant demands and shifting priorities, finding clear direction can feel impossible.
Join me this coming January for a hands-on Leadership Navigation Workshop where you’ll:
- Gain vital perspective on the year ahead
- Clarify your leadership mandate and operating context
- Create focused personal and team goals that drive real impact
- Set concrete leadership intentions and action plans
- Build your roadmap for navigating complexity (because change is rarely linear)
Two sessions available in January 2025. Limited spots – secure yours now! Register here.
Effective Change Results From Intentional Leadership
We’re a leadership and organization development consultancy. My team and I work with leaders like you to prepare for and lead successful change processes.
Here’s why our clients call us:
- Leadership Coaching: I support leaders as they navigate transitions into new roles or expanded responsibilities.
- Group Coaching and Learning Programs: Bringing groups of leaders together, I facilitate learning experiences and months-long programs that equip people to be effective change leaders.
- Effective Teams and Stronger Organizations: I facilitate customized processes that strengthen teams and build layers of aligned teams that transform organizations.