Change thrives when leaders and organisations create safe spaces for people to:
- share their views
- innovate
- experiment
- learn from experience
These spaces may be within single organisations or across different organisations that need to work together to make change happen.
When change is less likely to succeed
People are resistant to change or afraid to try something new: There will be many reasons why people are resistant or afraid to change. Change needs leadership and a culture that respects that people may approach change with different experiences, perspectives and insights.
Leaders struggle to delegate effectively, micro-manage or limit the authority of others to make change: Leaders are people too. Change needs continual reflection to address what drives this behaviour.
You lack enough support from others: You might have approval for your change idea. But if others do not support it, it can be hard to make it happen.
When your team is making a change, discuss the leadership and culture that will help you succeed and talk to your leaders about it.
If you are a leader, it can help to think about the change culture you’re creating. Proactively use and build the skills, behaviours, and views of the leaders across your organisations.
Leaders in change
A good change leader is someone who:
- sets a clear vision and strategy
- empowers and supports innovation
- supports and enables others
- collaborates and trusts
- is present and compassionate
Leadership skills for change
There are a number of leadership skills that are important to use in change.
Leadership roles in change
When planning change, think about what you need from leaders in your teams and organisation. This helps to identify the leaders who can support you.
Everyone involved in a change programme can utilise their leadership capability within change, regardless of whether you hold a formal leadership role or not. Find out more about leadership capabilities on TURAS Learn.
The role of organisational executive teams
Executive leadership teams are important for creating and sustaining organisational cultures that embrace and implement successful change. Supporting change might need executive leadership teams to lead in new ways compared to traditional methods.
