Leadership, where change fails.
This is probably the most awkward area for a business change consultant. It is possible to question the capabilities of the person paying your invoice!
However, I am always employed by the business and that is the only way that business change can be considered.
On the other side, the vast majority of business leaders are fantastic and open to self development themselves.
There are broad business characatures that are incompatible with good leadership. They probably do not realise they are control freaks or empire builders, but either way you should not be a business leader.
Within your business you will also probably find leaders who carry management. Before losing self starters, doers or positive deliverers, you will want to talk with them.
You may also find moaners and wingers who are unhappy with their lot. Management may become the focus of their ire, but helping these members of staff to be the best of themselves, is more to do with staff development than poor leadership.
How is your business run?
- by a charismatic MD who may be slightly deaf
- by dowdy Directors in their ivory tower
- by accountants, bean counting, soulless finance
- by flash arry sales
- by marketing with all the answers
- by HR who are scared of their shadows
- by operations without finesse
- or by a senior management team
Remember who you are, what you are and what you represent.
I paint a picture full of stereotype and cliche, but only to illustrate a point.
Teamwork is always best. Working through things is obviously harder with disagreements along the way. However with clear areas of responsibility, and a environment that respects challenge as much as creativity, a business should be able to make good decision.
Iām not talking a socialist co-operative here!
But i do believe that you get the best out of your people through inclusion. This inclusion must be mirrored across the business starting at the top.
If you are looking at cultural change, look no further than your leaders.
