Dear Fellow Change Leader,
In times of significant social and organizational disruption, I often reflect on a principle that has guided me through decades of witnessing and facilitating change: “Think Global, Act Local.“
I first encountered this phrase in 1990, during one of South Africa’s most turbulent periods. As Nelson Mandela emerged from 27 years of imprisonment and the banned political organizations found their voice again after three decades of silence, the nation simultaneously experienced unprecedented hope and devastating challenges. While the unfolding transformation created optimism, it also unleashed forces that resisted change, sometimes violently.
This dynamic of promise and challenge mirrors what many of us face today. Some of us feel that our work is facing great challenges, mirroring our personal concerns for our communities and challenges. And others of us may find that our companies forecast a rosy future, even while internally many staff groan, fearing the personal consequences of social change.
Allow me to share a few thoughts about what this might mean for you as a leader…
Acknowledge That Disruption is Personal
As leaders, we find ourselves navigating three simultaneous and intersecting dynamics:
- Personal – How we personally are experiencing the turbulence. This can show up in our feelings, our moods, our bodies (stress anyone?). Our sleep, diet, exercise may all be negatively impacted.
- Strategic – We are concerned about how the organization will navigate the disruptions. Will new strategies and priorities be required? Will funding and revenue be affected? How might the audience be impacted?
- Relational – As leaders, we are also concerned about our team members. How are they being affected by this social turbulence? How might they be impacted by any resulting organizational changes? What support do they need now from us, their leaders? And what will they need in the future?
These three dynamics will endure, though they will shift over time in our awareness and in our sense of which matters most.
Seek Balance in Complexity
It’s easy, and understandable, to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of change facing us right now. These feelings are valid – but they shouldn’t become our permanent residence.
Consider these three questions to help you think more strategically and act more purposefully:
- Inculcate a broader perspective
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- What events, issues, and developments are influencing your organization?
- Which national or global trends might impact your future trajectory?
- Explore areas for creating meaningful impact
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- What unique capabilities can you and your team bring to the situation?
- How can you leverage your experience and networks to drive positive change?
- Translate insights into action
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- What small, significant steps can you take this week?
- Who needs to be involved in your immediate sphere of influence?
- What resources can you mobilize right now?
Define Your “Local”
Your sphere of influence – your “Local” – might be your work in a very specific geographic community. It might be the work you do at regional and national levels. Or even operating across countries and around the globe.
As a leader, you’re not alone in influencing your “Local.” Mobilize your immediate team, your entire organization, or even your industry sector.
The key is identifying where you can make the most significant impact, whilst maintaining sight of the broader context.
Now It’s Your Turn!
As you lead your organization through its current challenges, remember this:
Sustainable change happens through deliberate, focused actions, informed by a deep understanding of your context.
The most effective leaders that I’ve observed are those who have developed ways to hold both the big picture and the immediate context in balance, using each to inform the other.
Your leadership matters, especially in these transformative times.
Wishing you wisdom and courage in your journey,
What’s Next?
Navigate Your Organization’s Next Big Change with Confidence:
A Workshop for Change Leaders
Just as a seasoned hiker carefully prepares their backpack before a challenging journey, successful organizational change requires thoughtful preparation and the right tools. This hands-on workshop provides you with a protected time and space in which you can map out your next significant organizational change.
What Makes This Workshop Different?
- PRACTICAL FOCUS: Leave with a working draft of your change management plan
- REAL-WORLD APPLICATION: We’ll use tools that have been proven to enable successful change in organizations (including those that have scaled from seven to eight and even nine figure budgets)
- PEER LEARNING: Benefit from the collective wisdom of fellow leaders working through similar challenges
- EXPERT GUIDANCE: I’ll provide personalized support to help you navigate common pitfalls
You’ll Discover:
- The four essential plays that will fuel your change plan
- Five frequently overlooked mistakes that can threaten your change
- Surprising insights about enrolling your people in your change vision
- Strategic approaches to make the transition smoother for your team
Maximum Impact Strategy:
Send two leaders from different parts of your organization. Why? Changes ripple differently through various parts of your organization. Having multiple perspectives will enrich your planning and strengthen cross-departmental alignment from the start.
Workshop Details:
There are two opportunities for you to participate in this online workshop:.
Option One: Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Eastern (2 hours)
Option Two: Friday, December 6, 2024, 1.00pm to 2.00pm Eastern (2 hours)
Reserve your spots by replying to this email or completing the registration form.
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.