Some of the feedback I have received from readers of my book “Leading for Change – how to thrive during uncertain times” has been surprising.  People have welcomed the insights because they are going through personal changes and found that it was useful to apply the success factors that I have found useful in supporting organisations when they were going through change.  Interesting.

I reflected on a couple of major changes that I have gone through in my life over the last twelve months.  Like many people I experienced change in working practices due to the pandemic and recently I moved to a new house.

Boxes in kitchen - moving

What were some of my reflections on these personal changes, and how do those reflections relate to organisational change?

These were my top five:

  1. I felt overwhelmed and lacked focus. I wasn’t clear on what I needed to do first to have the biggest impact. Organisations also get change saturated – they need to focus on their end goals, prioritise and choose how they change.  Thinking about my knowledge of organisational change really helped me.
  2. I felt drained and exhausted doing things that weren’t my natural strengths. Sometimes this can’t be avoided but focusing on what I do well helped me to find a good balance.  Organisations need to focus on their strengths, outsourcing or delegating what they are not good at, or acquiring strengths that they really need.
  3. I looked around to see who could help. Neighbours, friends, family were enlisted not just to provide practical help (thanks!) but also to keep me going!   I felt like I was on a journey with others.  In organisations its critical that everyone feels like they are working together.
  4. I felt like I wasn’t in control. I had to define what I could control (not the legal / financial processes) and what I could only influence so that I could manage my own expectations.  In organisations setting boundaries and defining what you expect of others is needed to lead change effectively.
  5. I was rushing around trying to complete tasks. There seemed like there was a lot to do. I’m not sure that I was doing the most important tasks.  Pressing pause and taking time to reflect in organisations so that you don’t waste time is important when you are leading change.

 

There is a link between personal and organisational change.  By considering what you are learning in life whether at home or in business could help both your own health and that of the organisation you work for.

Thanks to Ket Patel for his inspiration to reflect in the midst of change and the great conversation we had on LinkedIn.  Thanks to Karon West for her reminder of a a great framework for reflection