5 reasons why embracing change can make you a better leader
As an experienced leadership coach, I’ve come to realise that the ability to embrace - and adapt to - change is perhaps one of the most essential components of success as a leader. Not only does the ability to pivot to new demands and circumstances help us navigate today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape, but it also helps us to remain relevant and competitive in the corporate world. Leaders who embrace change are best placed to manoeuvre themselves ahead of the curve, whilst inspiring and motivating their teams to follow suit.
These are my top five reasons why the ability to embrace change can make you a more effective leader:
1. Embracing change offers competitive advantage
The business world is constantly changing, with new technologies and market trends emerging all the time, and the ability to pivot to changing circumstances in the workplace places leaders firmly ahead of the competition. Embracing novelty - instead of being afraid of it - helps leaders ensure that their organisation is at the forefront of new developments, rather than lagging behind the competition.
2. Embracing change drives creativity and innovation
To remain competitive, organisations need to constantly innovate and come up with new ideas and solutions. Encouraging and facilitating change fosters an organisational culture of innovation and creativity, bringing out the best in team members and placing an organisation at the leading edge of new developments. The very nature of doing new things necessitates becoming more comfortable with change.
3. Embracing change keeps teams engaged and motivated
The business world is a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and it can be challenging for leaders to keep teams motivated and engaged all the time, especially if staff members are resistant to new developments. But leaders who embrace change and demonstrate a willingness to adapt and evolve themselves inspire and motivate others to do the same, fostering a sense of purpose and drive, and encouraging team members to work together towards shared goals. If you want a team that’s leaning in rather than leaning out, start by talking about change and what it means for you personally.
4. Embracing change demonstrates proactivity over reactivity
As a leader, it’s important to be proactive, rather than waiting for change to happen and then reacting to it. Seeking out new opportunities and challenges, constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate, being willing to take measured risks to get the best out of our teams and being able to anticipate and prepare for future changes are important aspects of effective leadership. Maybe try to find one new thing you want to experiment with each month or even each quarter and share that with your team.
5. Embracing change shows we are human
As a leader, one of the most important skills we can demonstrate is the ability to adapt and evolve. With all the vulnerability that goes alongside that. This means not just being able to adapt to new circumstances and challenges, but also adapting your leadership style and approach in order to meet the changing needs of the team and organisation. Talking about your own reactions to change can help open up the conversation for others. It might be messy and uncomfortable but it will create deeper connections and build more vulnerability-based trust.
Embracing change isn’t always easy, but effective leadership means leading by example and demonstrating an openness to new ideas and perspectives, a willingness to take risks and try out new approaches, and the determination to inspire and motivate others to do the same. It’s scary but it matters.
If you’d like to attend one of my leadership coaching and workshops then get in touch, or check out my other blogs on topics including creating change, thriving through change and how to know if you’re getting great coaching.
