3 Leadership Strategies for Embracing and Effectively Responding to Change
Written By Abena Sey
August 7, 2020
Change can be unsettling, but I believe that using the right strategies prepares a leader to both embrace and respond effectively to change. This is important, because how a leader responds to change has impacts on staff and productivity. When leaders use the strategies of being self-aware, having a changed mindset, and providing feedback that empowers their staff, a positive culture results.
First, Be Self-Aware
Embracing and responding to change involves self-awareness of the values that you hold and how they will be upheld in your organization. These values are also inherent in the moral and ethical decisions made for those within the organization and community (Cranston et. al. 2007). I believe that when you are self-aware, the next logical step is developing the right mindset.
Second, Change Your Mindset
Embracing and responding to change requires the right mindset for responding to feedback. For example, your vision and the steps required to achieve it may not be clear to your staff. They may have questions, or even challenge aspects of it, but you must respond appropriately. Shields (2018) advised, “as one develops self-knowledge, one will hopefully also realize the importance of being open to new ideas without defensiveness". Remember, you are the visionary, and it is your job to give guidance on how staff can help realize the vision. Your staff are only concerned about their role towards achieving the vision. Bring as much clarity to them as possible so that they can be successful. Be open and responsive to the feedback you receive from staff and take action to lead them in a positive direction.
Finally, Give Feedback That Empowers
The quality of your feedback has impacts on achieving your vision. When giving feedback, your primary goal is to empower your staff by clearly identifying problems and working together to create solutions, because “empowerment without clarity of purpose is a recipe for disaster” (Shields 2018). Be the kind of leader that encourages staff to take ownership of their part in the vision. This increases accountability and trust.
A leader requires the right strategy when responding to change. Choose to lead with self-awareness, the right mindset, and the desire to empower those you lead, and productivity will result.
References
Cranston, N. Ehrich, L., and Morton, L. (2007). Current issues in educational leadership, what is
the literature saying? The Australian Educational Leader, 29. pp. 10-13.
Shields, C. (2018). Transformative Leadership in Education: Equitable and Socially Just
Change in an Uncertain and Complex World. Routledge. 2nd Edition.