Disruption is the new normal. Whether it’s groundbreaking technologies, shifting market demands, new competitors, or global events beyond your control, change is constant and often unpredictable. As a leader at any level in your organization, your ability to navigate these disruptive forces with agility, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset is crucial for guiding your team through turbulent times.
While you may not have input into the strategic decisions being made at the highest levels, you play a pivotal role in helping your team embrace change, maintain focus, and adapt to new realities. Let’s look at some key strategies to help you thrive as a leader during periods of disruption.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
Approach change with an open and curious mindset. Encourage your team to challenge long-held assumptions and actively seek out new perspectives and ideas. Foster an environment where it’s safe to take calculated risks, learn from failures, and continuously improve.
Cultivating a growth mindset requires more than just words – it’s a fundamental shift in how you and your team approach challenges and setbacks. Instead of dwelling on undesired outcomes, focus on identifying processes that can be improved and opportunities for growth. Celebrate small wins and incremental progress, reinforcing the idea that change is always part of the business landscape..
Communicate with Clarity and Empathy
During times of uncertainty, effective communication is paramount. Keep your team informed about changes that impact their work, providing clarity and context whenever possible. Be transparent about what you know and what you don’t, and address rumors or misinformation promptly.
If possible, tailor your communication style to the needs of your team members. Some may prefer frequent, bite-sized updates, while others may appreciate more in-depth discussions and the opportunity to ask questions. Leverage various channels, such as team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, email updates, and collaboration tools, to ensure your message is heard and understood.
At the same time, acknowledge the emotional impact of change. Create spaces for open dialogue, actively listening to concerns and feedback from your team. Show empathy and provide support, while also painting a compelling vision for how your team can not only survive but excel in the new reality.
Foster Resilience and Agility
Cultivate a culture of resilience within your team. Encourage viewing the navigation of challenges as opportunities to make a positive impact and possibly learn new skills. Resilience is strengthened by providing support, skill building, and healthy habits.
If possible, provide resources for stress management and emotional intelligence training. If your organization has an EAP, remind your direct reports of that resource. You can foster a supportive team culture by encouraging each team member to let the others know when and how they could use some help. You might also consider allowing the time for mindfulness practices, team-building activities, or even bringing in a coach or counselor to help your team develop coping strategies and resilience skills.
Lead by Example
Your team will take cues from your words and actions, so it’s crucial to embody the values, behaviors, and mindsets you want to instill. Remain calm and focused in the face of disruption, demonstrating resilience and a solutions-oriented approach.
As a leader, it’s essential to model authenticity and vulnerability. Openly acknowledge when you don’t have all the answers, and involve your team in co-creating solutions. Share your own learning process: admit mistakes and exhibit a growth mindset. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance, and encourage your team to do the same.
Adapt and Learn
In a rapidly changing business environment, the skills and knowledge that propelled you and your team to success in the past may quickly become outdated. Take advantage of access to training, workshops, educational resources, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and encourage your direct reports to do so as well.
Foster a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning by celebrating those who take the initiative to expand their knowledge and experiment with new tools or techniques. Consider implementing a system where team members can share what they’ve learned or lead informal training sessions, creating a virtuous cycle of continuous growth.
Leverage Technology and Collaboration
While you may not always have direct control over technological investments, seek out opportunities to leverage existing tools and data to gain insights, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. At the same time, support cross-functional collaboration and strategic partnerships that can provide diverse perspectives, complementary capabilities, and shared resources.
If applicable to your situation, encourage your team to explore how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, or data analytics could streamline processes or uncover new opportunities. Collaborate with other teams or departments to identify synergies and potential areas for cross-pollination of ideas and resources.
Navigating Change is Really a Growth Opportunity
Leading during disruption is a formidable challenge, but many of the skills required are those that make leaders effective in times of stability as well. Those who can guide their teams through adversity and embrace change will be invaluable assets to their organizations. By cultivating a growth mindset, communicating effectively, fostering resilience and agility, leading by example, continuously expanding your skillset, and leveraging technology and collaboration, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the currents of disruption and help your team prevail and thrive.
Remember, change is not only inevitable but is also a catalyst for growth and innovation. Embrace it, and your team will follow your lead, emerging stronger, more adaptable, and better prepared to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.
If you’re curious about executive or leadership development coaching, contact Jan Jacobs to set up a time for a complimentary exploratory coaching conversation.