Have done a huge amount of coaching managers / leaders through change recently. Some practical tips (top 20!), for being effective in this context are below, and I’m sure there are many more to add!
Support managers to:
- Be confident – they do amazing things already!
- Have clear and positive view of progress so far
- Trust in their innate skills and abilities
- Ask “What would make things ‘even better?’”
- Deflect negative energy into something more positive or into their ‘zone / circle of control’
- Drive conversations down to what are the real challenges – find common ground, challenge and build back up
- Watch out for suggestions / plans that, “throw the baby out with the bath water!”
- Emphasise the ‘real world’ view – as distinct from myth, fantasy, stories or misunderstandings in the organisation
- Encourage awareness of the customer viewpoint, (and the cutomer’s customer!)
- See / come from the employee viewpoint in conversations, they are key to making change work
- Be aware of the point of diminishing returns
- Focus on the principle or the ‘Why?’ – the high level reason for change
- Focus and refocus on what’s important for people – be relentless in this respect
- Status Quo is NOT an option
- Be aware that Leading the organisation is different, (to managing)
- Take people with you
- Inspire
- Listen to the opinions of their employees
- Create dialogue everywhere
and above all:
- Support each other – meet – talk – coach – interact – network!
