One of the most important messages that businesses need to absorb when starting a journey of strategic change is that transformation must always start from the top.
Leaders – prepare
And as part of this process – which should kickstart positive change across the entire business in a cascade effect – leaders must be ready to move from a position of ‘knowing it all’ to embracing a more uncomfortable position; one of openness, humility, a willingness to hear difficult things, and a readiness to try new things.
Back to the shop floor…
When a leader is arrogant or sits in an ivory tower, it doesn’t matter how much time or money is spent on business change and transformation programs. They simply won’t work. The ‘shadow of the leader’ effect really is the most crucial first step to success. Model what you want to see – visibly and with humiliation, acknowledging that the process of change can be uncomfortable and challenging for you too, and you’ll gain the respect of your workforce.
By showing that you too are embarking on the process of transformation, you pave the way for your people to do the same. You must show that you are willing to walk the same path that you are asking your employees to walk. Model what you want to see.
This same logic applies to the execution of business transformation strategies. Leaders must be ready to be visible and present amongst their teams, and ready to hear honest, open feedback. This feedback may be challenging and hard to hear at times. After all, if everything was perfect, there would be no need to transform your business!
Visible. Present. Authentic.
When your people feel that they can be open with you, as a leader you gain that vital insight that you need to do your job. With that knowledge in hand, you are able to deal with every issue or problem that arises in the best possible way. What’s more, you gain the respect and support of your workforce, which translates into that elusive discretionary effort.
Why does discretionary effort matter? When employees feel a connection and emotional buy-in to their employer, they are more likely to put in the extra effort. This naturally translates into a high-performing business that is more likely to succeed. Businesses with good leadership attract the best staff and retain them – enjoying excellent performance along the way as they develop, reward, progress, and recognize them.
And it all starts with the leader at the top of the business.
Begin the process by addressing what is currently holding your business back. Look honestly at where issues are being generated by your leadership team – and by you.
Show that you are serious about creating a better business. Be authentic and passionate about the change. Be open about your own experiences in dealing with the change. Be human and personable – get back onto that shop floor. Try something new! Have you ever done a live video stream to your remote teams? Have you worked the graveyard shift with your night shift workers? Show up – make the effort!
Authentic behavior is all about what you do, rather than what you say.
Mastering strategic change
And big business transformations are naturally demanding and challenging. You’ll need a high degree of respect and trust to bring everyone along with you. To get those excellent results, your execution needs to be excellent too – and it requires everyone in your organization to make it happen.
So, take a deep breath and be prepared to undertake the same exciting, nerve-wracking, and ultimately rewarding journey that you are asking everyone else in your organization to take with you. Kick-start this journey yourself – making it clear that you may be learning and modeling new skills in the process. Ask for help from your people – especially those on the front line. Make it clear that you will be working harder than anyone and learning, refining, and recognizing as you go. Celebrate success early on, and keep everyone updated.
It’s exciting!
With the help of your strategic consultancy, you can create a powerful business plan for transformation that truly generates results In the meantime, your own challenge is to prepare yourself to initiate this business-wide journey and to model new behaviours, skills and attitudes yourself. It may be tough but it is also going to be exciting. And what’s more, it is going to shore up your business to be successful in the future, and to create that powerful vision of success and performance which has long been your dream!
