by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce
Your growth as a leader starts right now, wherever you are at this very moment. Developing your leadership skills can prepare you for larger challenges in the future.
Researchers have found that three skills provide the necessary connection between the process part of change and the people part of change. These “3 C’s” unite effective change leadership:
1. Communicate
Unsuccessful leaders tended to focus on the “what” behind the change. Successful leaders communicated the “what” and the “why.”
Leaders who explained the purpose of the change and connected it to the organization’s values or explained the benefits created stronger buy-in and urgency for the change.
2. Collaborate
Bringing people together to plan and execute change is critical.
Successful leaders worked across boundaries, encouraged employees to break out of their silos, and refused to tolerate unhealthy competition.
They also included employees in decision-making early on, strengthening their commitment to change. Unsuccessful change leaders failed to engage employees early and often in the change process.
3. Commit
Successful leaders made sure their own beliefs and behaviors supported change, too. Change is difficult, but leaders who negotiated it successfully were resilient and persistent, and willing to step outside their comfort zone. They also devoted more of their own time to the change effort and focused on the big picture.
Unsuccessful leaders failed to adapt to challenges, expressed negativity and were impatient with a lack of results.
Finally, remember that leaders prepare others to assume their roles; they want their vision to be sustained.
For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, visit www.prescott.org, call 928.445.2000 or 1.800.266.7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St.
