Twitter #LeadWithGiants Tweet Chat: Leading Change (Monday, August 10, 2015)

At 7PM Eastern every Monday evening the #LeadWithGiants tweetchat occurs on Twitter.

Every week a different topic. On the evening of August 10, 2015, the topic was Leading Change.

I present the questions and  my answers and a little bit more. Please enjoy.
If you can, please joins us next week. Look for the #LeadWithGiants hashtag every Monday evening (and throughout the week) or follow @LeadWithGiants on twitter to get the questions..

Leading Change

Q1: What is the difference between innovation, adaptation, transformation and CHANGE? #LeadWithGiants  

My Answer: They all are forms of change. They, however, have different origins either, internal, external or a combination of both.

This means that the reason words like innovation, adaptation and transformation exists is to show us the various angles of origin of CHANGE. They say necessity is the mother of invention. Thus, innovation is born. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Thus, adaptation is born.  Evolution comes from survival of the fittest. Thus transformation is born.

At its core, all of that is CHANGE! Nothing more and definitely nothing less.

Q2: What’s the most important benefit of any change, if any? #LeadWithGiants
 

My Answer: The most important benefit of change is that new or renewed attention is given to the problem, the solution, and all those involved.

Something has happened and change is the only way to move past what has happened. That’s usually the case. However, by giving the issue/problem the attention it so richly deserves change can be complete and successful.

Q3: Can we change the person, who somebody is? Explain. #LeadWithGiants
 

My Answer: We are always changing. The ability to sustain that change to make more change is different for all. All at own pace.

So much waste can occur when everyone is treated the same, especially when it comes to organizational change. However, by ensuring those that are charged with leading the change are aware that everyone is different and should be treated accordingly.

Q4: What’s the best way to initiate change in organizations? #LeadWithGiants 

My Answer: When all recognize the problem and all are encouraged to be part of the solution.
I was once member of an organization that crammed change down our throats. The organization’s leadership management was in survival mode. They wanted to keep their jobs and threw change so fast at the rest us that either you accepted the change (no questions asked) or you found yourself being shown the door.

In a previous organization, you were told change was coming months before it arrived. Everyone, was given time to buy into the coming change. Whether individuals bought into it or not at least they knew they had a voice in how it going to impact them and everyone.

Q5: Who’s responsible for leading the change in an organization? #LeadWithGiants

My Answer: Everyone that believes in the mission and vision of the organization is responsible for making change happen.

You are part of a team. You wanted to work with the organization. You stepped up and volunteered to be part of the organization. I guarantee no one walked to you, put a gun to your head, and said “You will work here or else!”

You are part of a team of individuals that have one goal. To succeed. Success comes with a price. That price is you must accept, embrace, and live change. There is nothing gained by remaining stagnant. Change or reap the rewards that stagnant pond water offers.

Q6: What’s the best way to deal with people’s fear of change? #LeadWithGiants

My Answer: Fear of change can only be conquered by diving into the deep end. Go all in or why bother?
While others may get “touchy-feely” about the deep psychological impacts of fear on the psyche of the individual. I respect that! Really, I do. However, what I respect more is an adult that has committed to the organization enough to take that leap forward and join the organization in making progress towards a better future.

As organizations now move at near light speed there is no time to stutter step or shuffle into the future because of one or two that want to play by own rules. When it comes to doing what is best for the organization, the need of the many OUTWEIGHS the needs of the few or the one.

Q7: How can we ensure that change attempts don’t fail?

My Answer: No one can ensure a no fail situation. I would expect failure in order to make the change better.

So long as the company/organization continues to accept and embrace change, it can never truly fail. Still, you need failures to know whether the organization, department, section or group are on the right track or wrong track when it comes to implementing change.

Embrace ALL the failures; they will make you, your employees, your organizational stakeholders, and your organization better. BETTER is GOOD!

Q8: How do we measure change and its results? #LeadWithGiants

My Answer: Change is measured by how fast the next change happens (either needed or wanted).
The moment change has been implemented others will start to see what else they can change. They will say to themselves if we can make this good, then we can make that better. Making things better is a sign that change was needed but also, that organizational change works.

On the other side, when change has been implemented and no one want to do anything that resembles change then something bad has happened. When more change is not wanted then as a whole the changes that were previously implemented are going to start to fail. Guaranteed!

Q9: What (or where) is the biggest change we will witness in next 5-10 years? #LeadWithGiants

My Answer: Our lives will change. Everything we do, say, watch, eat, listen, and so on will change count on it!

The only constant that we can be certain of is change. Change is happening whether we like it or not. Change is what made white bread become wheat bread then honey wheat bread then oat and wheat bread and then organic wheat bread and then become organic whole oat wheat bread.

The amount of change happening all around us is staggering. There is so much change that we cannot see it, feel it, smell it, taste it, or hear it. It is there. Change has always been there and it will continue long after we are gone. Just think about it.

Q10: The more things change, the more they stay the same, has what implications?? #LeadWithGiants

My Answer: You can't fight change but that does not mean you can't make it comfortable.

Who said all changes have to be uncomfortable? Pull up a lawn chair, pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea and watch change happen. You can’t stop the bum rush. Obviously, you will have to get in there when you have to and help. 

For the most, enjoy the ride.

--Until Next Week--

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

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