Page 45 - The EDGE Winter 2025
P. 45
to guide the organization through the transition. The
leader’s role is not simply to inform but to foster a
sense of ownership among stakeholders, encouraging
them to see themselves as active participants in
shaping the future. This underscores the crucial role
of leaders in change management, making them feel
valued and integral to the process.
Leading change also necessitates the ability to
navigate resistance, an inevitable byproduct of any
transformative endeavor. Leaders must acknowledge
and address the concerns of those apprehensive
about the journey ahead. Leaders can gradually erode
resistance and build support by actively listening to Ref lections on Leadership
their perspectives, empathetically understanding their
fears, and providing compelling reasons for change. July 2, 2024
"While a good leader sustains momentum, a great leader
This empathetic approach makes the audience feel increases it." -John C. Maxwell
understood and respected, fostering a more positive This quote highlights the distinction between merely
response to change. managing and genuinely inspiring. A good leader
In addition, effective change leadership requires is adept at maintaining an organization’s pace and
continuous communication and engagement. direction. They can keep the ship afloat, ensuring that
Open and honest dialogue is paramount, ensuring operations run smoothly, and do what is necessary
all stakeholders are not just informed, but also to keep the team focused on achieving its goals.
feel involved and have a voice. Regular updates, They steer the ship, ensuring steady progress and
progress reports, and opportunities for feedback preventing stagnation. A good leader can maintain
foster a sense of accountability and transparency, the forward motion of their team or organization,
making stakeholders more receptive to the journey of effectively preserving the status quo; in other words,
change. By crafting a compelling vision, addressing their focus is primarily on preserving what already
resistance with empathy, and promoting continuous exists rather than driving progress forward.
communication, leaders can inspire their teams to However, a great leader transcends this managing
embrace change as a path toward a brighter, more role. They are not content with sustaining momentum;
purposeful future. they seek to amplify it. They ignite a fire within
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed. their team, inspiring passion, innovation, and a
desire to achieve more than was initially thought
possible. Through clear vision, strategic direction,
and unwavering belief in their team, great leaders
create an environment of growth and opportunities
where challenges are not obstacles. Their impact
extends beyond the task itself, producing a culture of
continuous improvement that pushes the boundaries
of what can be accomplished. While good leaders are
essential for stability and execution, great leaders are
the architects of extraordinary achievements, driving
their teams toward unprecedented heights.
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed.
45
45
