We're more adaptable than our bosses think
I've found evidence that leaders have got it wrong. We're more adaptable than we're being given credit for.
I work with a lot of business leaders, all of whom are wrestling with the challenge about how best to lead their teams through change.
And there's a lot changing, right?
New technologies that replace or supplement human roles, a desire from people to create greater meaning in their work, flexible working arrangements, the rise of contracting vs. traditional employment, ageing populations, regulatory changes etc. Phew. Lots going on.
I came across some interesting research conducted by Harvard Business School's Project on Managing the Future of Work together with the Boston Consulting Group's Henderson Institute (that was a mouthful).
Interviews from 11,000 workers and 6,500 business leaders (internationally), showed that there's a misalignment between employees and their bosses.
Leaders perspective was that workers fear significant change.
Actually that isn't the case. Research showed that workers are far more willing to be optimistic and embrace change than their employers assumed. They saw the potential for more interesting and meaningful jobs and better wages from more highly skilled occupations.
Interesting right? The generic thinking about staff opposing change isn't really true.
So the call to action this week is to sense check your own biases and prepare yourself to lead through change.
You could:
- create a compelling vision that engages people in 'why' there needs to be a change
- use employee focus groups to gather ideas on 'how' change is best implemented
- create good feedback loops so that you get under the skin of specific staff worries (rather than assuming they don't like all change)
- create additional stretch opportunities by getting people involved in projects over and above their day job
- start training your staff in skills of the future NOW. The investment will pay off vs. you needing to hire in these skills externally.
I hope this perspective sparks you to reflect on your own view and actions you can take to support your teams.Interested to hear your views on this.
P.S. Staff do not fear change. They are simply seeking good leadership. Now is the time to invest in your current staff to help them and the firm prepare for the future (which is tomorrow by the way :)).
