What characteristics do leaders who lead change well possess?
If you want to be in leadership get comfortable with change. The best leaders have the traits to effectively lead change.
Every leader deals with change, but in my experience, some handle it better than others. There are change-agent leaders who seem to have an innate gifting at leading through change.
I’ve observed some common traits needed to effectively lead change.
7 TRAITS FOR EFFECTIVELY LEADING CHANGE
1. Flexibility
It doesn’t have to be your design. You simply want progress towards the overall vision. You are never stubborn on matters that seem to have no vision-altering value. Instead, you navigate towards a solution, letting others have “their” way. Everyone walks away feeling as though they have won.
2. Courage
Effectively leading change means you are willing to receive criticism and still move forward. You know how to filter through what is valid criticism—worth hearing—and what’s simply a venting of personal interest. Because of this you unwaveringly push through the junk which clouds progress.
3. Relational
You value the opinions of other people and work hard to gain their trust. Knowing that ultimate change can’t happen without human capital, you are constantly investing in relationships. Networking is one of a change agents greatest tools.
4. Strategic
You realize there are steps to take and carefully choose the timing of when to take them. It is like you have a keen sense of discernment when it comes to knowing when to pull the trigger, when to wait, and when to pull the plug completely.
5. Creative
You are able to see paths to success others can’t yet see. Change often happens because someone chose to be creative—even when it might not mesh with current structures. Effective change is one of the best forms of art in the field of leadership. This takes creativity.
6. Intentional
You make change for a specific purpose and never waste a change. Since you know that every change has the potential to make or break a team, you work diligently to bring the best results.
7. Thorough
You follow through on commitments made and sees the change to fruition. You don’t give up until the post evaluation is complete and the lessons of change have been learned.
Think about your experience. Who are some of the best leaders who could effectively lead change?
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This article originally appeared on RonEdmondson.com and is reposted here by permission.
